Crews remove cracked water main that closed I-694
Photo Courtesy: City of Oakdale
OAKDALE, Minn. (KMSP) - Oakdale city officials are getting a look at the cracked pipe that caused the washout, forcing I-694 to close.
The water main broke Sunday morning, closing I-694 at 15th Street North and causing detours for an estimated 87,000 vehicles that travel the highway each day.
Utility crews have been working on the break ever since, but on Tuesday, finally shared a photo of the culprit behind issue. The pipe had a long, winding crack running lengthwise. City of Oakdale Utility Superintendent Shawn Nelson says he believes the pipe may have been leaking before the break. The pipe was installed in 1964, but he doesn't think age was a factor in the incident.
With the old pipe now removed, crews are working to install the new pipe. I-694 isn't expected to reopen until at least Friday.