Framingham water main break cuts off flow of water, coffee

Several Framingham businesses, including TJX Cos., were encouraged to close their offices for the day following a 12-inch water main break near the Route 30 exit off of the Mass Pike.

About six buildings near Route 30 and Speen Street were without potable water because of the break, said Tom Holder, Framingham's deputy director of public works. TJX, corporate parent of several retailers including Marshall's, has an on-site tank for fire protection, he said. A spokesman for the company could not immediately be reached.

Holder said crews probably would be working to repair the break through late evening. Officials were still investigating the cause of the break, which left a gaping hole along the sidewalk.

The break affected businesses large and small. Employees placed a sign outside a Dunkin Donuts in the area informing customers they could not serve coffee.

-- John C. Drake