It was a messy situation in Union County Wednesday.

Parts of Route 28 were shut down in both directions in Cranford due to a water main break. The main broke under Route 28 near Springfield and Centennial avenues. The break occurred shortly after 4 a.m. and forced people on their way to work or school to be detoured. Several businesses in the area are suffering as a result of the water main break.

New Jersey American Water Company crews continued to make repairs throughout the day. Much of the road, curb and sidewalk have to be replaced, as well as the broken 12-inch water main.