MLGW Repairs Downtown Memphis Water Main Break, Prompting Road Closures and Flooding Near Second Street

Repair work underway after downtown break disrupts traffic

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) crews have been working to repair a water main break in downtown Memphis that led to flooding and prompted traffic restrictions near a key intersection.

The break was reported in the area of Second Street and Union Avenue. Police said flooding associated with the break resulted in at least a southbound lane closure on Second Street, with motorists urged to expect delays and use alternate routes while crews work in the area.

What is known about location, closures, and expected impacts

Public safety messaging focused on keeping traffic moving and limiting hazards from standing water. The downtown corridor around Second and Union serves as a connection point between major destinations, including office buildings, hotels, and entertainment venues, and lane closures can quickly ripple into adjacent streets.

• Location: Second Street at or near Union Avenue in downtown Memphis.

• Traffic impact: At minimum, the southbound lane on Second Street was closed due to flooding conditions, with the duration dependent on repair progress.

• Utility response: MLGW crews were reported on scene addressing the damaged main.

Broader context: winter conditions and increased break activity

Water main breaks are a recurring operational challenge during and after stretches of freezing weather. In early February 2026, MLGW publicly noted that crews were continuing to locate and fix water main breaks following several days of below-freezing temperatures, when breaks and burst pipes become more common. That wider system stress can contribute to overlapping repairs citywide, affecting how quickly individual incidents are resolved.

What residents and businesses can do while repairs continue

For residents and businesses encountering leaks or water-related hazards, MLGW has directed customers to report water leaks through its dedicated phone line at 901-528-4465. The City of Memphis also routes active water main break reports through 311.

Drivers should anticipate changing lane restrictions near the flooded area and allow extra time for downtown travel until normal traffic patterns are restored.

What remains unanswered

The cause of the downtown water main break was not publicly detailed in initial reports. Major contributors to water main failures can include temperature-related ground movement, pipe age, and pressure fluctuations, but determining a specific cause typically requires post-repair inspection and documentation. MLGW has not released a public estimate in this case for when pavement restoration and any remaining cleanup would be completed.

Further updates are expected as crews complete repairs and streets are reopened.