Last Updated on May 24, 2023, 10:55 PM | Published: May 24, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — A water main break near NW 63rd and Meridian late Tuesday has closed 63rd along a block-long stretch of the heavily-traveled artery in both directions for days.
And, EMBARK has had to temporarily change Route 008 which travels along NW 63rd in the area.
Starting Wednesday, east and west traffic was completely diverted from the break about a block east of the NW 63rd and Meridian intersection.
Jennifer McClintock with the City of Oklahoma City said in a press release that the roadway would be closed “for several days.”
Crews were able to repair the break and restore water to the heavily populated area but repairs to the street from rushing water damage from the underground break will take the most time.
The break occurred under the eastbound side of 63rd in front of the Chelsea Manor Apartments and near a number of businesses and office buildings.
“Local traffic will still be able to access businesses on either side of the street during the repair. Detours will be marked,” said McClintock.
EMBARK bus Route 008 affected
EMBARK supervisors had to get to work quickly Wednesday to temporarily change Route 008 which travels along NW 63rd between the NW Expressway and Meridian and has stops all the way from downtown OKC to a section of Warr Acres.
Wednesday afternoon, Route 008 busses could be seen turning north onto Meridian off of 63rd Street inbound where they would normally travel eastward on 63rd. The stop inbound stop in front of the 7-11 was closed.
Cody Boyd with EMBARK told Free Press that for the next several days, riders who normally use the stops along NW 63rd between Meridian and the NW Expressway will be taken by shuttle to pick up the route bus nearby and taken back to those stops by shuttle outbound. Ask your regular route driver for instructions.
EMBARK has now issued the following temporary route changes:
“Route 8 Outbound: Regular route to NW Expressway and NW 63rd. Merge west on NW Expressway. Continue to Meridian. South on Meridian to NW 63rd. West on 63rd and resume regular route. Reverse on the inbound.”
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
