Water main break closes Bradley Boulevard in downtown Bethesda

Road closure could also extend to other streets, police say

May 19, 2026 2:48 p.m. | Updated: May 19, 2026 2:49 p.m.

Bradley Boulevard will be closed between Hillandale Road and Arlington Road due to the water main break. Photo credit: Pete Piringer

A section of Bradley Boulevard in downtown Bethesda is closed Tuesday afternoon for an extended period due to a water main break, Montgomery County police said on social media.

Police said the road is closed between Hillandale and Arlington roads. The road closure could also extend to other streets, according to police.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Road closure for a water main break on Bradley Blvd. Bradley Blvd will be closed between Hillandale Rd and Arlington Rd for an extended period of time and the closure may be extended to other streets.

Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect… pic.twitter.com/rNnJsVzinL
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) May 19, 2026

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue (MCFRS) crews also responded to the scene, according to MCFRS spokesperson Pete Piringer.

Water Main Break – Arlington Rd and Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, major water main break. @mcfrs PE706, RS741B and BC702 on scene, some lanes blocked @WSSCWaterNews pic.twitter.com/PmH78vivkE
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 19, 2026

WSSC didn’t immediately respond to Bethesda Today’s email asking about the size of the broken water main and how long it may take to fix it.

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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine