Monday, July 6, 2015

Massive gas leak after contractor struck a 12-inch gas pipeline in Clay County, MO

I-35 reopens following gas line break in Clay County

JULY 6, 2015
Northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 35 were closed at Missouri Highway 152 in the Northland after a gas main break.  
Northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 35 were closed at Missouri Highway 152 in the Northland after a gas main break.
The break happened about 9 a.m. Monday in a construction zone at I-35 and Highway 69 Highway in Pleasant Valley.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says all lanes of Interstate 35 closed Monday morning between Interstate 435 and Missouri Highway 152 because of a problem with a gas line on near the Pleasant Valley exit.
There have been reports of people in the area that can hear the gas spewing and getting headaches from the smell. (Heather Staggers/KCTV5 News)
 
 
PLEASANT VALLEY, MO (KCTV) - 
 Police have reopened Interstate 35 in the Northland after a gas line break Monday near road construction.

The break happened about 8:45 a.m. Monday at I-35 and Highway 69 in Pleasant Valley. Lane closures were between Interstate 435 and MO Highway 152.

Emergency response teams said while it may have been a traffic headache, they had to stop all traffic on I-35 for drivers' safety. The interstate reopened about 1:15 p.m.

Missouri Gas Energy said an outside contractor struck a 12-inch gas pipeline, and the line has an 18-inch tear. The gas agency was able to shut off the gas to the busted pipe so they can start their repairs.

"It was a substantial leak. So that was why we have shut I-35 down, both north and south, to eliminate any ignition sources," said Jeff Gardner, Missouri Department of Transportation's incident management coordinator.

Officials were concerned with drivers flicking a cigarette or any spark and said the interstate may not be reopened until 1:30 p.m. at the earliest.

No injuries were reported.

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