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Steam Leak Forces Closure of Congress Street in Downtown Boston

Vicinity crews isolating the damaged pipe are repairing the city's steam network under police advisories to avoid the area.

Overview

  • A leak in an underground steam pipe prompted officials to close outbound lanes of Congress Street between Sudbury and North Streets while crews work on repairs.
  • Vicinity, the private operator of Boston’s steam system, identified the problem on a small section of pipe and said its crews have isolated the area and are restoring system functionality.
  • Police warned that both vehicle and pedestrian traffic would be affected and urged people to use alternate routes as the closure remained in effect with no reopening time announced.
  • Aerial and on-scene crews reported multiple holes and cuts in the pavement with steam rising from the roadway, and repair teams marked affected spots before beginning work.
  • Officials reported no injuries or property damage and noted the shutoff and repair are precautionary steps to secure the city’s centralized steam lines beneath the streets.