PORTLAND — Motorists are being advised to avoid the Riverside Street neighborhood as crews from the Portland Water District try to repair a water main break.

Michelle Clements, spokeswoman for the district, said a water main break was reported this afternoon around 3:30 p.m. at 736 Riverside St., near the intersection of Forest Avenue.

Clements said one lane of traffic has been closed but two lanes of traffic are being allowed to pass through the area. That has resulted in a significant slowdown of traffic.

She said it could take crews up to 16 hours to repair the break, a disruption that could affect the Wednesday morning commute.