The westbound lane of Clay Street east of Bodley Street will be closed to traffic through the weekend following the repair of a 6-inch water line that broke under the street, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said.

Public Works Director Garnet Van Norman said westbound traffic will detour on Grove Street and get back on Clay west of the construction area. The eastbound side of Clay has been reduced to one lane because of the work.

He said two broken storm drains created a void under the road, and a piece of concrete fell on the pipe, breaking it.

“We were out until 2:30 (a.m.) getting it fixed,” he said. “

Van Normand said the crew was not able to refill the hole because it had to get back to preparations for the predicted flooding on the Mississippi River. He said the city will probably hire a contractor to complete the work at the site.

“Our crews are having to do double duty, making repairs to our aging infrastructure and working on the flood walls,” Flaggs said. “I want to commend our city employees for their work last night and for giving up a holiday when they could be sitting at home to help the city.”