Traffic reduced on Route 45 in Libertyville due to water main break

Southbound traffic on Route 45 north of Peterson Road in Libertyville was reduced to one lane for much of the morning and into early afternoon Friday due to a water main break.

The break occurred at the northwest corner of the intersection, but water flowing beneath the road was observed further south along Route 45, according to John Heinz, public works director. Crews were on the scene all morning and were able to repair the break by about 2 p.m., when traffic returned to normal.

Heavy snow initially made it difficult for crews trying to turn off the water, Heinz said.

"We've been having some challenges in trying to locate the valves because of all the snow that's piled up on top of them," he said.

The valve was closed about noon and the repair proceeded quickly. An undetermined number of customers were without water service for a time until the repair was made.

Heinz said water main breaks or cracks are fairly typical, but praised the crews for their efforts in adverse conditions as they have been dealing with a blizzard and its aftermath all week.

"It's just another example of what those guys do," he said.