MLK Drive in Philadelphia closed due to "emergency infrastructure maintenance"

A stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Philadelphia is shut down as crews make emergency repairs, according to the city.

The road first closed to all traffic starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday between Sweet Briar Drive near the Philadelphia Zoo and Eakins Oval by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A leak on a Girard Avenue drinking water main was identified on Tuesday, prompting the closure, the Philadelphia Water Department said.

The closure will remain in place until further notice as the Philadelphia Water Department performs "emergency infrastructure maintenance supporting the drinking water system," a notice from the city said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the road was still blocked to traffic. A contractor was on site Thursday to evaluate the situation and determine next steps, according to the Philadelphia Water Department.

The recreation trail along the Schuylkill River is not affected and will remain open, the Philadelphia Water Department said in a statement.

Drinking water remains safe, and no customers are affected, according to the water department.

CBS News Philadelphia has reached out for more information. In the meantime, drivers can try Kelly Drive or I-76 as alternate routes.