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Flooding Shuts Down Congress Street Near Boston City Hall

BOSTON (CBS) - Overnight flooding and the mess left behind has shut down part of a busy road in downtown Boston.

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission said a fire hydrant lateral pipe broke on Congress Street just after 2 a.m. Monday between City Hall and Faneuil Hall.

The road was covered in water and debris for several hours before the flooding was brought under control. Water service was not affected, but commuters and pedestrians have been asked to avoid the area if possible.

boston water main break
The water main on Congress Street broke between City Hall and Faneuil Hall early Monday morning. (WBZ-TV)

A BWSC spokesman said snow made it difficult for crews to find the shut off valve and they don't know yet what caused the pipe to burst.

The ice that formed on the street made it too slick to walk for some pedestrians.

"It was definitely slippery and [I was] walking through a lot of water that was slushy on the street.  We were re-directed. I tried to avoid it but I didn't want to fall in it," Boston resident Rebecca Riegel told WBZ-TV.

Drivers should expect delays in the area.

Congress Street will be closed between North and State streets for the rest of the day.

WBZ-TV's Anaridis Rodriguez contributed to this report.  You can follow her on Twitter @Anaridis.

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