An apparent water main break heaved the asphalt at Elm and Park Streets just before noon Thursday, snarling traffic downtown as police and public works personnel directed traffic around water bursting between cracks in the pavement.
It happened at about 11:45 a.m., according to officers directing pedestrians and motorists around the busy intersection, as water streamed down Park Street toward Cherry.
Police blocked off Park Street northbound just before Elm and directed traffic from all directions around what appeared to be the most damaged area in the middle of the intersection.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the apparent break.
Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Carol Ogrinc issued a press statement urging motorists to avoid the area.
NewCanaanite.com will have more information as it becomes available.