MILWAUKEE — South Hawley Road by I-94 in Milwaukee is expected to reopen on Monday more than two weeks after it closed for a water main break. Right now the northbound lane remains closed to traffic.
On Dec. 28, 2019, a water main break sent water rushing to the neighborhood southwest of I-94 and Hawley road, turning it into a lake.
The main that broke was from 1960 and the Department of Public Works said they couldn’t just repair it, they had to replace it.
They expect crews to install the last part of the new pipe by the end of the week, but the cause of the break remains under investigation.
The incident devastated the community during the holiday season with many still picking up the pieces.
Mayor Tom Barrett said at least 37 residents have reported damage to their homes and cars.
“You’re saddened because you can see that they’ve been really affected in a very, very major way. I could see some backyards. I saw cars that had been affected and again we’re trying to figure out exactly what we can be doing," Barrett said.
On Thursday Alderman Michael Murphy plans to hold a meeting for residents to answer any questions about filing a claim. Those with damage have 120 days to do so.
For more information on how to file a claim, click here.
