The worst occurred in southwest Portland on Southwest Boones Ferry Road, about a quarter mile south of where the road intersects with Southwest Terwilliger. 

Due to erosion at the site, crews have to stabilize the road base and embankment before the Portland Water Bureau can make repairs. It was not clear when that would happen, and the road remained closed to traffic Thursday afternoon. 

Northbound traffic was being detoured to Southwest 35th Avenue, up to Taylor's Ferry Road and back to Terwilliger Boulevard. Southbound traffic was being diverted to Terwilliger.

Alternative routes include taking Southwest Huber Street to Capitol Highway or Barbur Boulevard or taking Southwest Stephenson.

Repairs on another water main in north Portland at North Columbia Way and North Fessenden were nearly complete Thursday afternoon. City officials said they expected the roadway to reopen by 6:30 p.m.

Crews were also working on a second break where Fessenden runs into St. Louis. Repairs were expected to be finished by 5 p.m. - with traffic restored by 6 p.m. 

Finally, city crews anticipated repairing a water main break at Southeast 82nd and Glenwood by 7 p.m.