A quiet morning in Milltown turned chaotic when a burst water main sent torrents of water flowing across one of the town’s busiest intersections. Early Tuesday, November 25, 2025, an eight-inch cast iron pipe suddenly fractured, unleashing a flood that swamped the junction of Kirkwood Highway and Milltown Road. The force of the rupture was so strong that it prompted the immediate closure of part of Route 2 and created a watery mess that residents won’t soon forget.
The break occurred just before sunrise—shortly before 5 a.m.—sending sheets of water streaming down the road. Commuters woke to find Kirkwood Highway’s westbound lanes completely shut down as emergency crews rushed to contain the flooding and assess the damage.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), lane restrictions were quickly established around the intersection to keep drivers safe and allow workers to begin their response. Artesian Water crews are now on-site, laboring to repair the fractured main and restore normal service as soon as possible.
But here’s where it gets more complicated: DelDOT confirmed that the incident didn’t just cause flooding—it also tore up parts of the roadway itself. The westbound lanes suffered extensive pavement damage, meaning they’ll likely remain closed for most of the day, if not longer, while crews make repairs. Drivers are being advised to find alternate routes and expect delays throughout the day.
Events like this raise a larger question: How old is the water infrastructure beneath our roads—and are we doing enough to maintain it before it fails? Some residents might blame bad luck or weather, but others will argue that aging pipes across the region are long overdue for replacement. Do you think local governments are investing enough in modernizing critical utilities, or are we just waiting for the next costly rupture to happen? Join the discussion below and share your thoughts on how communities should handle these preventable infrastructure emergencies.
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