PRESS RELEASE - Sewer Main Break and Road Closure Update

PORT TOWNSEND, Washington – City crews discovered a failing sewer main on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. The sewer main appears to have completely failed causing a sewer backup yesterday late in the morning. The location of the failed sewer main is near the intersection of Water Street and Gaines Street as shown on the map below. This sewer main serves all of Downtown and most of Uptown and thus is an important sewer mainline with relatively high flows. Crews stabilized the situation yesterday by using pumps to bypass the failed section of pipe. While raw sewage overtopped the maintenance hole, thanks to the hard work of city crews, no sewage flowed directly into the Bay. The City is working diligently to make an emergency repair and will be contracting with Seton Construction beginning today. The City asks that people avoid the area and to expect construction activity in the area over the next few days until the repair can be made.

Additional information will become available once the situation is further assessed for the level of repairs needed.

Location of sewer main break:

The sewer main break is located on Water Street between the Wells Fargo Bank access on Gaines Street and the intersection of Sims Way and Water Street. The area is indicated on the map, outlined in red.

The area will remain closed until City staff assesses the damage and makes sure the road is safe for vehicles. Staff suspects the pavement has been undermined extensively and one sink hole has already formed. Construction activity will also require closure of the road for safety of the traveling public and workers.

Business Access:

All adjacent businesses will have access throughout this time. The sidewalks on the east side of Gaines Street and the north side of Water Street will remain free and clear for pedestrian travel.

Contact: Public Works Department
Name: Steve King, Public Works Director
Phone: 360-531-1631
Email: sking@cityofpt.us