Some motorists traveling near The Point during Tuesday’s mid-afternoon traffic rush needed to find an alternative route home after a work crew struck a gas line.
Crews worked into the evening to repair the line after workers from Pits Inc., contracted with WOW! Internet and Phone, pierced a Columbia Gas line while driving in support stakes to brace a utility pole.
“You don’t know what you’re standing on most of the time,” said Walt Houser, a worker with Pits Inc.
Traffic was backed up in both directions along State and U.S. routes 37 and 36 for some time in an area already known for rush-hour congestion.
The city of Delaware reported a gas leak at the corner of East William and Channing Streets in front of James Conger Elementary School. Conger dismissed on schedule, as City Police worked to re-route bus traffic and other motorists.
“Columbia Gas estimates 2 hours for repairs, so this will impact rush hour traffic,” the city posted on Twitter around 3:20 p.m.
Repairs went into the evening. As of 8 p.m. fire department personnel had left the scene, but Columbia Gas crews were still at work repairing the line.
Delaware police also took to social media to spread the word, posting: “East William St is closed between Lake Street and The Point for a gas line issue. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes.”
“We didn’t know we hit it until we walked away and come back to the smell of gas,” said Todd Albertson, a worker with Pits Inc.
