Water main break closes section of Ocean Street in South Portland

A water main break on Thomas Street in Portland has closed the city’s main transit hub, Greater Portland Metro said on Friday. The unexpected rupture halted operations at the hub, leaving commuters without a central transfer point for the rest of the week.

Greater Portland Metro confirmed that the transit hub “is closed because of the water main break.” The agency cited the break as the sole cause of the shutdown, and it has advised riders to use alternate bus and shuttle routes while the repair work is underway. The closure has disrupted the normal flow of public transit, affecting dozens of passengers who rely on the hub for daily commutes to work, school, and medical appointments.

The water main break, which was first reported at 3:15 p.m. Saturday morning, is being investigated by the city’s public works department. Officials have not yet announced a projected repair date, but they said the city is prioritizing the fix to restore service as quickly as possible. “We’re working around the clock to get the water main repaired and to reopen the transit hub,” a Greater Portland Metro spokesperson told reporters. “In the meantime, we’re offering additional bus and shuttle services to help keep the city moving.”

Commuters who normally use the Thomas Street hub have been advised to check the Greater Portland Metro website and its real‑time transit app for updates on detours and alternate routes. The agency also urged riders to allow extra travel time and to plan ahead if they need to reach essential appointments.

While the immediate impact is limited to the Thomas Street transit hub, the incident illustrates how a single infrastructure failure can ripple across a city’s transportation network. Greater Portland Metro and the city’s public works department remain in close contact as they work to resolve the issue. Riders are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for any changes to service schedules or route modifications.