University City, Philadelphia, February 16, 2026
A significant water main break has led to the closure of Spruce Street in University City, Philadelphia, affecting traffic near Penn Medicine hospitals. The closure, spanning from 34th to 38th Streets, is expected to last for several weeks. Crews are working on repairs, but drivers in the area should anticipate heavy traffic and delays as access to prominent medical facilities is impacted. Patients are advised to allow extra travel time for appointments due to the disruptions.
Philadelphia
Water Main Break Closes Spruce Street Near Penn Medicine Hospitals
A significant water main break has led to the closure of Spruce Street in University City, Philadelphia, affecting traffic near Penn Medicine hospitals. The closure spans from 34th to 38th Streets, with repairs expected to last for several weeks.
Traffic and Area Impact
The incident has resulted in the closure of a wide area in University City, specifically Spruce Street between 34th and 38th Streets. This area is in close proximity to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and The Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs, potentially impacting access for patients and visitors. Drivers in University City and other parts of West Philadelphia should anticipate heavy traffic and delays, and those with appointments are advised to allow extra travel time.
Repair Efforts and Duration
Crews are actively working on the water main break, but repairs could potentially take several weeks. While typical water main repairs often take 8 to 12 hours from the start of work, complex situations can extend the timeline significantly, with some road closures and associated repairs lasting months. This prolonged closure means residents and commuters in University City should plan for extended disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Spruce Street in Philadelphia?
A significant water main break occurred on Spruce Street in University City, Philadelphia.
Which area is affected by the water main break?
The water main break affects Spruce Street between 34th and 38th Streets, near Penn Medicine hospitals in University City, Philadelphia.
How long is Spruce Street expected to be closed?
Spruce Street is closed indefinitely, and repairs for the water main break could potentially take several weeks.
What is the typical repair time for water main breaks in Philadelphia?
Typical repair time for a water main break ranges between 8 and 12 hours from when crews begin work, though this can vary depending on the situation. However, in complex cases, road closures and repairs can take much longer, even several weeks or months.
What are the effects on traffic and access due to the closure?
The closure is affecting traffic near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, and The Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs. Drivers in the area should expect heavy traffic and delays when traveling in University City and other areas of West Philly, and patients driving to appointments are advised to allow extra time.
Key Details of the Spruce Street Water Main Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Water Main Break |
| Location | University City, Philadelphia |
| Affected Streets | Spruce Street between 34th and 38th Streets |
| Proximity to Key Facilities | Near Penn Medicine hospitals (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, The Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs) |
| Estimated Repair Duration | Potentially several weeks |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
