Suburban Washington Water Mains Found To Be at Risk
Authorities are investigating the break of a 66-in. prestressed concrete-cylinder water pipe that flooded busy State Route 190 in Bethesda, Md., on Dec. 23. The pipe, which carries 150,000 gallons per minute, sent water rushing down a nearly half-mile section of the road, stranding more than a dozen vehicles. At least 15 people were plucked from their cars by rescue workers in boats and helicopters.
Ross Contracting Inc., Mount Airy, Md., was awarded a $1.3-million contract by Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission for emergency repairs to the main and several damaged sections of road.