A major water main break near Ben Franklin School has thrown the town into disarray Thursday, forcing businesses and township offices to close and leaving many residents with little or no water. The 20-inch-diameter pipe burst in the south section of Edison early this morning, impacting a large portion of the community. Crews are on the scene working to find the exact location of the break before repairs can commence.
The impact of the water main break has been widespread. Edison Township offices are closed for the day, and several large businesses along Route 1 have also been forced to close their doors. LA Fitness, located at 905 Route 1, announced it will be closed through at least 5 p.m. while Top Golf on Route 1 South is experiencing delays and hopes to open later today.
“For the past three years, I’ve been urging the Mayor and his Administration to address the urgent need for inspection and infrastructure repair. Despite repeated calls for proactive maintenance, they have consistently ignored these concerns, choosing instead to react only when emergencies arise” said Councilman Rich Brescher. “It’s unacceptable that resources seem to be directed towards events like parties at Town Hall while critical infrastructure is neglected. We need the administration to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community by investing in necessary repairs and upgrades immediately.”
This water main break has left thousands of homes and businesses in the area with no water or significantly reduced water pressure, making it difficult for residents to carry out daily routines like showering and doing laundry. Repair crews are working diligently to locate the break and begin repairs, but there is currently no estimated time for full water service restoration.
Mayor Joshi and Chief of Staff Bob Diehl did not respond to request for comment.