Crews in Passaic County spent Tuesday addressing a significant water main break that forced the closure of the US 46 westbound ramp from County Route 640 and Riverview Drive in Totowa. Local officials confirmed that the rupture sent large amounts of water across the nearby Home Depot parking lot, where temperatures hovered around 18 degrees. The combination of high water flow and freezing winter weather created a sheet of ice that quickly transformed the area into a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
The closure of the westbound ramp was ordered shortly after water was observed pooling and spreading from the damaged main. Emergency crews responding to the incident noted that the subfreezing conditions made the situation more complex, both by accelerating the formation of ice and by making repair operations more difficult. Specialized equipment had to be brought in to manage the frozen surface, while workers navigated slippery conditions to access the break point.
According to preliminary assessments, the water main break originated beneath the roadway structure that feeds into the ramp system. As the water escaped, it flowed downhill toward the commercial lot adjacent to the highway. The Home Depot parking area, one of the busiest retail locations in the corridor, became partially unusable as a thick layer of ice formed. Store management worked with local authorities to restrict access to the affected section while salt crews attempted to stabilize the surface.
Traffic delays built up along US 46 as drivers were diverted away from the ramp. Transportation officials advised motorists to use alternate routes and to anticipate slower movement through the area as repair operations continued. With winter weather already affecting travel across northern New Jersey, the added disruption required steady coordination between road crews, utility workers, and municipal staff.
Repair teams spent several hours excavating around the damaged pipe, which required careful handling due to the ongoing freeze. The priority was to stop the flow of water, prevent additional icing, and secure the ramp so it could eventually reopen. Workers also monitored the edges of the retail lot to ensure that the freezing runoff did not reach areas where vehicles or pedestrians remained active.
By late afternoon, crews continued to chip away at the frozen sections while preparing replacement materials for the damaged portion of the infrastructure. Officials stated that the ramp would remain closed until conditions were deemed safe and stable. The incident highlighted the challenges of managing aging infrastructure during periods of extreme cold and underscored the importance of rapid response to minimize risks to the public.
Authorities expect to release further updates once repairs are complete and the affected area has been fully cleared of ice. In the meantime, residents and commuters in Totowa were urged to exercise caution and remain aware of ongoing repair activity as winter weather continues to impact the region.
