Water main break near Ohio State campus forces cancellation of Monday classes

Sheridan Hendrix, The Columbus Dispatch
·2 min read
A major waterline break Monday near the bridge on John Herrick Drive has closed the roadway between Olentangy River Road and Cannon Drive near Ohio State's main campus and left many campus building with little or no water service. Crews are working to fix the problem.
A major waterline break Monday near the bridge on John Herrick Drive has closed the roadway between Olentangy River Road and Cannon Drive near Ohio State's main campus and left many campus building with little or no water service. Crews are working to fix the problem.

The city of Columbus has lifted the water advisory for Ohio State University's Columbus campus, the university announced in a release.

According to the release, the water will be safe to drink once they have been flushed, and university personnel have already begun flushing lines across campus, including sinks and will begin working on ice machines. The university recommended occupants let the water run for at least a minute before drinking.

Ohio State University leaders canceled classes Monday afternoon after a major waterline break near campus left much of campus without water, Ohio State's Department of Public Safety said in a release.

Monday was the last day of regularly scheduled classes for spring semester before final exams begin Wednesday.

Classes scheduled to meet online will meet as planned. Faculty and staff members can work remotely are encouraged to do so. Essential staff whose jobs must be done in-person are still asked to return to work, the release stated.

Those at the university are advised not to use water from faucets or drinking fountains or drinking or food preparation as the water quality has not been tested during the line break. This includes not using ice machines, coffee makers and drinking fountains. People are advised to drink bottled water instead.

The break, which occurred near the John Herrick Drive bridge, has closed the road between Olentangy River Road and Cannon Drive.

Multiple buildings across campus are experiencing low or no water pressure. Ohio State's Recreation and Physical Activity Center was evacuated following the initial break, and 18th Avenue Library closed shortly after.

Crews are actively working to resolve the issue, but there is no estimate as to when water will be restored.

The OSU Wexner Medical Center, the Veterinary Medical Center and Optometry Services remain open, but the university's dental clinics are closed.

The Ackerman Shuttle, Patient Courtesy Shuttle and paratransit for the Wexner Medical Center are currently being rerouted. CABS bus services are also expected to see delays. Service updates will be posted on the university's Transportation and Traffic Management website.

Dispatch reporter Cole Behrens contributed to this report.

shendrix@dispatch.com

@sheridan120

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State: Water main break near campus cancels classes