Flooding causes sewer main break in downtown Cape Girardeau; Repairs are now complete

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A sewer main break earlier this week in downtown Cape Girardeau near the dry docks was caused by heavy flooding and has since been repaired, according to Alliance Water Resources. The repair process was delayed for four days due to high water levels that made working conditions unsafe.

Alliance Water said the break did not affect residents or businesses aside from a minor road closure. Local manager J.J. Ridings said the break occurred near railroad tracks, requiring coordination with the rail company. Additionally, excessive water in the sewer system prevented immediate repairs.

“Once the water receded, we were able to get to it and finish the repair in about an hour,” Ridings said, adding that while the pipe itself was not costly, the clamps needed for the repair were expensive. The total cost is estimated to be under $7,000.

Ridings also noted the aging; corroded pipe is likely to break again in the future. Long-term solutions are being discussed by the city, including rerouting the line and replacing it with more durable materials, though funding remains a concern.

As of early afternoon Thursday, the pipe has been repaired, and water is flowing through it again. Crews were in the process of restoring the road above the repair site.

Alliance Water said the pipe’s location will continue to pose challenges, but future breaks should only result in minor traffic disruptions.