Sewage leak prompts lane closure in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The city of Melbourne Public Works and Utilities Department is conducting repairs on a sewer force main, prompting the temporary closure of the westbound lanes of Sarno Road from Apollo Boulevard to Reynolds Drive.

The closure, which will last until 4 p.m. Tuesday, will allow crews to fix a leak in a 16-inch wastewater force main. City officials said the leak caused wastewater to enter a nearby storm drain, which flows directly into the Eau Gallie River.

The leak has since been stopped, and crews expect to complete repairs by the end of Tuesday. Public works officials initially said repairs would be done by Monday.

City officials have not yet released information on the volume of sewage that entered the river.

Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes during the closure and expect delays in the area.