Water main break near bluffs calls for emergency repair by City of La Crosse

The city of La Crosse has authorized emergency repairs to a century-old watermain that broke earlier this month, causing some flooding and icy conditions on State Street. 

The break occurred December 10th under the Burlington Northern tracks near the bluffs.  City crews made a temporary fix that same day, but flooding later resumed, and water froze along the street.

The water utility asked the board of public works on Monday to waive requirements on public bids, so that quotes for repairing the 20-inch main can be made more quickly.

That water line is one of two that supply water to La Crosse’s main reservoir, and the damage leaves the city with no back up mains at this time.