NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling said it was "unfortunate timing" that a 10-inch cast-iron sanitary sewer on Strawberry Hill Avenue ruptured Wednesday afternoon, the same day graduation ceremonies were scheduled to take place at Norwalk High School.

Police said around 2 p.m. on Twitter Strawberry Hill Avenue was closed between King Street and County Street and detours would be in place to access Norwalk High.

According to the Norwalk Public Schools Facebook page, promotion ceremonies for Nathan Hale Middle School and West Rocks Middle School students are scheduled to take place at the high school Wednesday night.

Rilling noted the sanitary sewer is a pressurized pipe that conveys sewage from the city's Westport Avenue sanitary pump station.

"This is unfortunate timing given graduation ceremonies this evening," Rilling said in a news release. "The Norwalk Department of Public Works and Water Pollution Control Authority are fully aware of the situation and are fixing it as fast as possible. For families going to graduation ceremonies this evening, we recommend that you build in time for traffic due to detours. We wish every student and family celebrating a graduate this evening, a very special night."

In light of this rupture, the following detours to Norwalk High are in place, according to police:

Rilling said crews from the Norwalk Department of Public Works, Water Pollution Control Authority and Veolia (WPCA's contract operator) are on site monitoring the conditions and assisting with traffic control. Norwalk Police will also be directing traffic in the area.

WPCA's emergency contact is mobilizing to investigate and address the issue as quickly as possible, and the city anticipates the sewer will be repaired by Thursday, Rilling said.

Additionally, anyone attending the promotion ceremonies is encouraged to park at Naramake Elementary School and walk to the high school, police said.

The Norwalk High parking lot can also be accessed through the King Street detour to County Street, according to the district.

Travelers who are not attending the promotion ceremonies are asked to avoid the area due to increased event traffic, police said.

"The city apologizes for the inconvenience and will keep the public updated once the sewer issue is resolved," Rilling said.

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