SAN DIEGO – Authorities closed a stretch of Genesee Avenue  near Interstate 5 in La Jolla after a work crew broke a water main Tuesday, according to water officials.

A construction crew digging in the center median of Genesee when they broke a 6-inch blowoff valve on a 30-inch water pipe running beneath the media. Water shot several stories into the air and ran across the roadway. The flow slowed traffic, but cars were able to continue driving by in both directions.

Shortly after noon, utility crews shut off water to the ruptured pipeline. City crews closed off one lane of Genesee so work crews could access the damaged pipe, but the roadway remained open in both directions.

No one is without water, but some customers may experience low water pressure until repairs are complete, city spokesman

Arian Collins said.  It was unknown how long that would take.

Drivers should avoid the area if possible.