CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A state Department of Highways employee operating an auger hit a water main line on MacCorkle Avenue Wednesday during a construction project, which caused water to shoot 40 feet into the air, according to a West Virginia American Water spokeswoman.

Laura Jordan said the water main break happened around mid-morning in front of the NiSource building as the Division of Highways replaced light poles in the area.

Jordan said West Virginia American Water responded to the water main break within 10 minutes of hearing about it.

Water company employees shut the water off 40 minutes later and isolated the water between two valves, she said. A new section of piping will be installed and should be finished this afternoon, she said.

No customers were affected by the break except the NiSource building, which experienced low water pressure, Jordan said.

Jordan said traffic along MacCorkle Avenue was not disturbed because the water sprayed in the direction of the Kanawha River.

"It was definitely something spectacular to watch but the actual main is off to the side in the grass and shooting into the direction of the river," Jordan said after she saw the break.