Road closed after water main break near Old Town Bluffton Inn. What we know

Authorities have closed a portion of May River Road for at least the rest of the day after a water main was breached in front of the Old Town Bluffton Inn Tuesday afternoon.

May River Road is closed between its intersection with Calhoun Street and its intersection with Bluffton Road, said Jeff La Rue, chief communications officer for the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority. The eight-inch water main broke when a contractor bore through it.

The break has been isolated, and there are no water service issues in the area, La Rue said.

The section of the road will remain closed until late tonight or early tomorrow morning, La Rue said. Crews are on-scene and working on repairs. Pressurized water washed away soil from under the sidewalk and porch in front of the Old Town Bluffton Inn, and the inn has brought in a structural engineer to ensure its safety.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.