Water main break closes part of Fourth Street

A water main broke and forced the closure of Fourth Street on Tuesday evening, with the Hollister Police asking motorists to avoid the area and observe detours around Fourth Street between West and Locust streets.

The rush of water made its way down College Street, in front of Sacred Heart Parish School, running above the curbs and onto the sidewalks around 6 p.m.

Water main breaks on Fourth Street and along San Benito Street are a fairly common occurrence, with old pipes typically the culprit.

Stephanie Marshall, owner of Marshall Vintage Automotive on Monterey near Fourth street, said she heard about the water main break while listening to the police scanner at work. She rode her bike to see the flood.

Marshall, who lives on San Benito Street, said she is frustrated by the old pipelines that run under local streets. She said they have broken several times in front of her house. 

“It’s really inconvenient,” she said. “I feel sorry for this family (she said, referring to residents near the main break) because who knows how long they’re going to be without water? It’s just kinda sad.” 

Hollister public works employees went around the neighborhood, alerting residents about the situation.