Broken water main slows traffic on Route 1 South in East Falls

EAST FALLS (WPVI) -- Water gushing from a broken main slowed traffic on Route 1 South (Roosevelt Boulevard Extension) Monday morning.

The break in the 12-inch main happened sometime overnight near the Ridge Avenue overpass in East Falls.

It sent thousands of gallons of water streaming down the overpass barrier wall and onto the highway.

Police arrived after 4:30 a.m. and shut down the right southbound lane and shoulder.

Morning rush hour traffic backed up for miles approaching the scene.

Philadelphia Water Department crews finally arrived and shut off the gushing water shortly after 6 a.m.