MEC&F Expert Engineers : ANOTHER CLOSE CALL: A DRILL RIG DRILLED INTO A 4-INCH LINE IN THE VICINITY OF APPLEBEE'S, SENDING GAS FLOWING ACROSS THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN MONTROSE, COLORADO

Thursday, January 15, 2015

ANOTHER CLOSE CALL: A DRILL RIG DRILLED INTO A 4-INCH LINE IN THE VICINITY OF APPLEBEE'S, SENDING GAS FLOWING ACROSS THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN MONTROSE, COLORADO



ANOTHER CLOSE CALL:  A DRILL RIG DRILLED INTO A 4-INCH LINE IN THE VICINITY OF APPLEBEE'S, SENDING GAS FLOWING ACROSS THE MAIN THOROUGHFARE THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN MONTROSE, COLORADO

Posted: Thursday, January 15, 2015 3:09 pm | Updated: 3:57 pm, Thu Jan 15, 2015. 

MONTROSE, COLORADO

Traffic is shut down in both directions on South Townsend Avenue between Woodgate and Ogden roads, and police are asking motorists to steer clear of the area while a gas leak is addressed.

According to preliminary reports, a drill rig drilled into a 4-inch line in the vicinity of Applebee's, sending gas flowing across the main thoroughfare Thursday afternoon.
The closure is expected to last until about 6 p.m., as Source Gas is on scene repairing the leak and the Montrose Fire Protection District monitors risks.

Traffic is being rerouted down Woodgate Road, which is experiencing heavy volume as a result.

Multiple businesses are affected and are being monitored for safety. The danger zone is right around the drilling rig, but risk is otherwise considered low.

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Initial story posted at 3:10 p.m. Jan. 15 is below:

Southbound traffic on Townsend Avenue was closed from O'Delle to Ogden roads, due to a gas leak shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday.

According to preliminary reports, a drill rig drilled into a 4-inch line in the vicinity of Applebee's, sending gas flowing across the main thoroughfare this afternoon.

Northbound traffic might also be affected, authorities said.

Southbound traffic was being rerouted to Woodgate Road.