GERMANTOWN, Md. (7News) — WSSC Water teams have been diligently working overnight into Friday morning, making “significant progress” on a major sewer main collapse and gas leak that has caused traffic disruptions and school closures in Germantown, Maryland.
By 10:15 a.m. Friday, officials announced that bypass pumping is set to become operational later today. This crucial step will enable crews to start the excavation and replacement of the damaged pipe.
Current Repair Progress
Repair teams have been working in the vicinity of 19111 Liberty Mill Road. Throughout the night, crews successfully fused and installed approximately 500 feet of 18-inch diameter bypass piping, reaching about half of their 1,000-foot target.
SEE ALSO | Sewer main collapse leads to gas leak, resulting in school closure in Germantown
Utility partners from Washington Gas and Verizon have completed their relocation tasks, granting WSSC Water safe and full access to the site.
- Eight pumps are currently positioned on-site
- 110 feet of new, 30-inch PVC pipe has arrived to replace the collapsed section
Once the bypass system is operational, workers will begin excavating the area to remove the damaged infrastructure and install the new, robust PVC pipe between two manholes.
Impact on Schools and Traffic
The collapse, first reported around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, continues to affect the local community.
Road Closures: Liberty Mill Road remains shut down between Dawson Farm Road and Pepper Court. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.
School Closures: Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, with Germantown Elementary School, located nearby, also closing on Thursday.
Water Quality: WSSC Water assures residents that drinking water remains unaffected by the sewer main collapse.
Odor Management
Residents in the vicinity may detect odors related to the sewer main failure. WSSC Water has stated that crews are taking “all necessary measures” to reduce potential odors and will closely monitor air quality throughout the repair process.
WSSC Water has not yet provided a specific timeline for when the road will be reopened or when the replacement will be fully completed, but they promise to provide updates as the work continues.
