Chickasha officials report water main break under railroad affecting two businesses and one home

An unidentified city official reported a major water main failure under a railroad that washed out about half the track and cut service to two businesses and one home in Chickasha.

The speaker said crews located the break and that repairs will require boring under the railroad and installing steel casing to protect the line from vibration; because the work is substantial, the repair is expected to take several weeks after a contract is let. “It washed out about half the track,” the speaker said, noting the railroad has hauled gravel in, slowed its trains to check the area and agreed to waive some fees to assist the city’s emergency response.

City staff said they were turning valves and searching for additional valves to restore pressure to the northeast zone but cautioned that pressure restoration can be slow and that some customers would be affected while repairs proceed. The speaker estimated two businesses and one house were fully out of water and said staff would try temporary measures to deliver water to customers if full restoration isn’t immediate.

Officials also noted challenges with aging infrastructure and mapping: the city lacks a complete GIS map of all valves and mains, which complicates rapid isolation and repair. The city said it will pursue temporary relief for affected customers and then mobilize a contractor for permanent repair under the railroad.

No timeline for final restoration beyond “several weeks” was given in the meeting; staff said they could not promise an immediate fix and would keep working to restore service.