A broken water main that spouted water dozens of feet in the air in New Westminster shut down an intersection for hours – and left crews to deal with a big mess.

The damaged water main caused extensive flooding at Braid Street and Brunette Avenue, near the Braid SkyTrain station.

A Metro Vancouver spokesperson told CTV News that the water main is maintained by the City of New Westminster. The incident began Saturday afternoon when crews doing road work inadvertently ruptured the pipe.

SkyTrain service was shut down for hours between Sapperton and Braid Station, and a bus bridge was implemented. Traffic was also backed up for several hours, and drivers are being advised to avoid the area.

"I saw water about 50 feet in the air going strong," said witness Patrick Knowles. "Shooting up in the air strong and steady." 

TransLink said city employees capped the water main just after 5 p.m., and SkyTrain service resumed at this time.