Water main break floods Allen Parkway

Crews are shown at a water main break along Allen Parkway on Friday. Crews are shown at a water main break along Allen Parkway on Friday. Photo: Gary Coronado, Chronicle Photo: Gary Coronado, Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Water main break floods Allen Parkway 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A broken water main along Allen Parkway caused some traffic problems for Friday afternoon commuters.

A contractor company working at a project along Allen Parkway struck at least one water line about 4:20 p.m. near Taft, Houston public works officials said.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the rupture was on an 8-inch or 12-inch water line.

"But we are on top of it," said Julie Gilbert, with the communications office of the Department of Public Works.

The broken line sent water flooding onto a section of Allen Parkway. Many cars were forced to inch their way along one eastbound lane although some larger vehicles plowed through the flood water with little difficulty.

James Cardenas had to carry his bicycle through the flooded water.

"I'm going to work, but I think they'll handle it," he said, referring to the crews at the site trying to repair the damage.

Officials said some of the businesses would be out of water until the repairs are completed. But they didn't have an estimate on how long it will take to finish the repairs and fully restore service.

Brian Young was jogging through the area when he got sidetracked because of the apparent construction mishap.

"This seems like a lot of water to go to waste," he said. "This is a good excuse to go home."