UPDATE: July 18, 3:33 p.m.
A spokesperson for the Whitworth Water District announced that all roads are back open following a water main break.
According to the district, water service was fully restored to all affected businesses Friday morning.
Crews placed temporary repairs Thursday night, and new pavement will be installed soon, officials said. The break was caused by a fracture in an aging pipe.
The district said there are no concerns about other pipes in the area, which were inspected and deemed safe.
The exact cause of the pipe fracture remains unknown.
UPDATE: July 17, 4:37 p.m.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that both northbound lanes of US 395 will remain closed through the weekend. The goal of this extended closure is to allow time for asphalt to be replaced at the scene once repairs are completed.
Northbound traffic will be confined to the lefthand turn lane, with the ability to make left turns onto westbound Hawthorne Road, or to continue northbound on US 395.
Drivers are urged to continue avoiding the area through the weekend, or to plan additional time to accomodate the traffic delays.
According to WSDOT, Whitworth Water District crews were able to identify the cause of the leak, which occurred approximately 20 feet below the asphalt surface of US 395. Repairs on the main waterline are currently in progress, officials reported.
UPDATE: July 17, 1:30 p.m.
The water line break is not connected to the sewer line break that happened on Wednesday afternoon along North Wall.
Spokane County Communications manager said the water main break is being taken care of by the Whitworth Water District.
SPOKANE, Wash. – Eastbound Hawthorne Road and the northbound lanes of US-395 near milepost 165.5 are impacted by water over the roadway due to a water main break, according to Spokane DOT.
The incident began around 12:31 p.m. Thursday. Crews are responding, but the road will remain closed until further notice.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Article originally published July 17, 2025 at 12:48 p.m.
