Contractor cuts water main on Hackney Rd, causing peak-hour traffic chaos

A CONTRACTOR working at the corner of Hackney Road and North Terrace hit a water main this morning, making life difficult for peak-hour commuters.

A CONTRACTOR working at the corner of Hackney Road and North Terrace has hit a water main, making life difficult for commuters.

Eastbound traffic on North Tce was blocked for several hours on Friday morning as workers repaired the damage.

The water main was in a large hole which was being excavated in the road.

The main — near the O-Bahn extension route — was expected to take until early afternoon to fix.

SA Water distributed cartons of water to businesses in the area left without water.

Police said citybound traffic was not affected but urged drivers to avoid the intersection.

Workers examine the burst water main at the corner of North Terrace and Hackney Road. Picture: Roger Wyman

Traffic backed up along North Tce with no eastbound drivers getting through.

The Hackney Gourmet Cafe and Snack Bar said its business was affected and hot drinks could not be served.

Staff from the neighbouring Russian mart, Mozaika, said there were less customers as no traffic was allowed on the eastbound direction.

“St Peter’s College on Hackney Road was affected, but (crews) have managed to get water to them via another main,” an SA Water spokeswoman said.

“They expect the job to be completed about 10:30 to 11am this morning, but until then there will be some major traffic issues in that area.”

SA Water said it believed the contractor was working on the O-Bahn extension.