NAMPA, Idaho — What was first reported as a multi-lane closure has been narrowed to one closed lane in each direction. City leaders say repairs are expected to be finished before spring break ends.
This article has been updated with new information.
WATCH: Crews make progress on sewer line rupture in Nampa
A construction crew that struck a sewer line on Karcher Road in Nampa forced lane reductions in what was already an active construction zone, and city leaders say repairs are expected to be complete within a day or two.
A contractor first struck the high-pressure sewer line during fiber boring operations beneath the highway, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. The strike compromised the road's stability and initially forced the closure of several lanes near Sundance Road, just east of Middleton Road.
Crews have since contained the damage and tightened traffic control in the area.
"They were doing a boring to tie into some power, and they hit a force main and caused a leak — it's all been contained within ponds, and we're actively cleaning that up right now," said Tom Points, Director of Public Works for Nampa.
To access the damaged line and make repairs, crews reduced traffic flow in an area already under construction for a road widening project.
"We did have to close an additional lane temporarily until we get this fixed. So there's one lane in each direction currently right now with the revised traffic control," Points said.
The corridor serves several Vallivue schools. With students and teachers out for spring break, city leaders said they expect the repair to be finished before school traffic returns.
Crews are currently locating the utility, exposing the break, and determining what parts are needed before the road can be paved back over.
"Then we'll have an assessment on what we need to repair it, what parts, and then we can get that done hopefully within a day or two, depending on parts, and then we can come back and repave it," added Points.
Even after this repair is complete, drivers in the area will still see planned overnight closures on Karcher Road, tied to the widening project, between Florida and Lake Avenues on Wednesday and Thursday night.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible. Traffic delays can be expected as repair work continues.
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