DANVERS, Mass. — Authorities had to completely close down Route 1 northbound as utility crews worked to repair a ruptured gas line at a Danvers restaurant on Thursday morning.
State Police announced through their Twitter account later in the day that the gas line rupture had been fixed and the gas was shut off. While repair still needs to be done, the threat of a gas leak is over.
UPDATE 4 - Gas valve has been shut off, repair still to be done but the threat of gas leak is over. We expect Route 1 north in Danvers to be reopened in approximately 10-15 minutes. https://t.co/6FcHIwqaH2
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 8, 2020
As a precaution, officials had evacuated businesses nearby. Staff and patrols at Costco, Hardcover restaurant, and TGI Friday’s were all been ordered to leave the buildings.
UPDATE 3 - Rt 1 NB remains shut down in Danvers in area of TGIFridays w/ traffic being diverted at Lowell St. Peabody. Utility company is working to repair the rupture. Area of the line rupture is behind the barrels in the photo. https://t.co/zuqFFNhjyz pic.twitter.com/v1RuUdcOKF
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 8, 2020
Due to the closure of Route 1 NB, traffic was backed up for miles. Officials diverted traffic to Lowell Street and drivers were asked to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. Route 1 has since been fully reopened.
UPDATE 2 - For precautionary reasons, staff and patrols at Costco, Hardcover restaurant, and Fridays are being evacuated due to the gas line rupture. EMS is standing by but no injuries reported as of this time. NB traffic diverted at Lowell St. Route 1SB remains open. https://t.co/zweJU0es6A
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 8, 2020
No injuries were reported.
UPDATE Route 1 NB is being shut down completely. Gas line rupture is in the area of Friday's restaurant. All northbound traffic is being diverted at Lowell Street exit. #MAtraffic https://t.co/KHgXuPtLFH
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 8, 2020
State Police said the gas line rupture happened after a utility company struck the gas line while performing improvements at a TGI Friday’s restaurant.
National Grid issued a statement while crews were still working to repair the gas leak.
“Our crews are on scene working to make the area safe after responding to a hit main by a 3rd party contractor at 49 Newbury St., Danvers,” said a National Grid spokesperson. “Local officials evacuated an unknown number of people from four buildings prior to our arrival.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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