Riva Road South River Bridge Reopens After Water Main Break

At about 6:15 p.m. Sunday, the Riva Road South River Bridge closed abruptly in both directions because of an apparent water main break.

Lt. Francis Tewey, spokesman for Anne Arundel County Police, said police were on the scene directing traffic Sunday.

Police are suggesting drivers take either the Route 2 (Solomons Island Road) river crossing or Route 3/Route 50 as a workaround to and from Annapolis.

Matt Diehl, spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works, said a 12-inch water main break on Riva Road caused the closure. The break was reported to DPW's emergency services at about 6:30 p.m.

DPW crews were on the scence at 7 p.m., isolated the leak and repaired/replaced the pipe. Restoration crews worked through the evening to fill in excavation needed to make the repairs.

The cause of the leak has not been determined, but the work supervisor said this type of break was unusual, describing the broken main as having a "missing chunk."  The bridge was expected to reopen overnight.

There is an to replace 6,000 linear feet of sewer main along Riva Road.

Drivers should be aware that if the bridge remains closed, there will be tie-ups on both sides of the bridge as drivers are forced to turn around and find alternate routes.