Gas line struck by contractor capped in Morgan Hill, repairs to last through evening
MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BCN) - A gas leak has been capped after being struck by a third-party contractor working for Morgan Hill this morning, resulting in the closure of a major road and nearly three-dozen evacuations, according to city and PG&E officials.
The contractor hit the line while working on a utility underground project at Bisceglia Avenue and Monterey Road around 10 a.m., city officials said.
They were using a backhoe, but contractors are supposed to use hand tools within 2 feet on either side of a marked underground utility line, according to PG&E.
Utility personnel were informed of the leak to a 4-inch plastic line in the 16700 block of Monterey Road around 10:20 a.m., PG&E spokeswoman Mayra Tostado said.
Crews were able to stop the flow of gas shortly before 4 p.m., Tostado said.
Police and firefighters worked to close streets in the area and evacuate 30 residents, according to city officials.
Repairs to the line are expected to be completed this evening, she said.
The public is advised to be safe while digging and call 811 if they need underground lines marked, Tostado said.
Surrounding buildings have been told to shelter in place, Cal Fire Capt. Chris Goodnight said.
No injuries were reported, Goodnight said.
Monterey Road is blocked between Spring and Ciolino avenues because of the leak, according to city officials said.
As of about 4:15 p.m., southbound lanes were expected to open shortly, police said.
"It is important to note that this incident was not caused by a gas line failure, but due to the line being hit by a contractor," fire Chief Jim Crawford said in a statement.