One lane of York Road in Elmhurst still closed due to water main break

One lane of York Road was expected to remain closed until at least 8 p.m. Thursday between Butterfield Road and Lexington Street in Elmhurst because of an early morning water main break at the southeast corner of Butterfield and York.

The break caused water to freeze on the pavement and created a traffic hazard.

Paul Burris, the city's utility operations manager, said repairs to the water main were slowed because workers encountered unknown utilities that were in the way.

He said the repairs won't be completed until at least 8 p.m. and could take longer if crews run into more obstacles.

At this point, the right lane of northbound York Road, between Lexington and Butterfield, is closed. The other northbound lane is open. Both southbound lanes are open.

In the meantime, the biggest issue crews are dealing with is ice.

Cars and trucks driving through the water on the pavement are spreading it into the intersection at Butterfield and York.

The city has one of its salt trucks repeatedly salting the area to prevent ice from forming on the road.

"He's pretty much standing there watching it," Burris said. "If it starts to look like it's getting glossy, he's out there salting."

Burris said the salting will continue until the water main break is fixed.

Drivers are being cautioned to avoid the area.