Encampment fire closes University Bridge and damages raw sewage pipes
CBC
An encampment fire Sunday night underneath the University Bridge damaged sewage pipes and forced closure of the bridge Monday morning.
"University bridge is shut down completely due to a fire under the bridge," the city said in a news release.
"Detours are in place. Drivers are asked to re-route their commute and pedestrians are asked to avoid University Bridge area while crews remain on scene."
The trouble started around 10 p.m. CST on Jan. 19.
"Crews responded and identified smoke and flames coming from underneath the University Bridge," the release said.
Sawhorses set up at the top and bottom of the commuter route diverted traffic to side streets.
Russ Munro, the city's water director, said in an early morning briefing that the fire damaged a sewage line that runs under the bridge.
"That became compromised," he said.
"The primary issue is that sewage is leaking, it's in the river. the appropriate authorities have been informed. We're working to isolate it very quickly."