TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) — A water main break in Times Square has shut down streets in Midtown and suspended local subway service.
Crews worked around 7th Avenue and 39th street to shut down the water main break.
7th Avenue is closed from 41st to 39th streets and 39th Street is closed between 6th and 8th avenues.
At around 3 a.m., the MTA shut down power at the 7th Avenue station and halted service on the 1, 2, and 3, trains.
The 1 train has been suspended between Chambers and 96th streets. The 2 train is now running on the 5 train track between 149 Street Grand Concourse and Nevins Street.
Service on the 3 train resumed at around 5 a.m., but the train is stopping at 96th Street. Officials say subway riders should expect delays and avoid those three trains in Manhattan if possible.
The station turned into a waterfall. Video shows water flooding in from the ceiling of the station and pouring onto the tracks.
The MTA had to shut down power at the station and they halted service on the 1, 2, and 3, trains between 14th and 96th streets.
“We were sitting there and all of the sudden, debris started coming down. We thought it was an explosion, but it was actually water and everybody started running. It started to flood the tracks, so I can and called the cops,” one rider said.
Alternates for subways include the A and D trains for Upper Manhattan, or you can use the M7, M10, or M102 buses.
For service to Brooklyn, you can take the 4, A, or D trains to get there.
Officials provided updates just before 7 a.m. Tuesday. They say the water main is from 1896 and spans about 20 inches.
“We will understand what the cause of this might be. The original design and maintenance of the system is more important than the age,” one official said.
There is no word on when service will be restored.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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