Austin, TX
Construction mishap leads to massive water main break in Northwest Austin
Water main break after construction mishap
A massive water main broke in Northwest Austin on Monday morning. It could be seen from miles away.
AUSTIN, Texas – A massive water main broke in Northwest Austin on Monday morning. It could be seen from miles away.
“When that broke, staff went to the site to isolate it on either side of that water main break, to shut that line down, to stop the water loss,” said Randi Jenkins, the Assistant Director of Austin Water.
The 48-inch line burst after a contractor struck it. The water likely sprayed for about 45 minutes before crews cut off the water at about 10:45 a.m.
According to the city, only one customer was without water on Monday.
“It is a commercial business suite,” said Jenkins. “So we have been coordinating directly with them all day to keep them in with bottled water to make sure their water needs are met.”
Photo courtesy: ATX Transportation and Public Works
The construction is part of a more than $34 million project approved by Austin City Council to widen a section of Spicewood Springs Road to four lanes, create continuous pedestrian paths, and make other improvements.
“I’m just very grateful that Austin Water responded quickly and that we’ve been able to minimize and limit any impacts to customers,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins said the road closures will remain until the water main repairs are complete.
“Spicewood Springs Road near Loop 360 up through the 4900 block, and there’s a small portion of Adirondack Trail that’s nearby that’s within those parameters, that’s affected as well,” said Jenkins.
According to Austin Water, an estimated 5,000 customers are near the construction site and may experience low water pressure during the repairs.
“The repairs, the extent of the duration is unknown, but we’re anticipating between 24 and 48 hours,” said Jenkins.
FOX 7 Austin was told the city will monitor conditions and notify any customers who might be affected.
Austin, TX
Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps
As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.
Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.
Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.
All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.
Austin, TX
Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.
Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.
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The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.
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Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.
Austin, TX
The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.
The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.
Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.
The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.
Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.
“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”
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Read the full story at KVUE.com.
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