NE Bend natural gas leak stopped after construction crews hit line, causing leak

(Update: Gas leak stopped, most streets reopened)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A construction crew struck a two-inch natural gas line in northeast Bend on Monday morning, prompting street and lane closures in the Empire Avenue area, an official said.

The leak in an intermediate-pressure (50 pounds per square inch) natural gas line was reported around 8:20 a.m. at Empire Avenue and Blenheim Place, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews were on scene, along with Cascade Natural Gas, Derlacki said. Bend police and public works departments assisted with traffic control and road closures.

The gas leak was stopped before 10 a.m. and all roads reopened except Blenheim Place, while crews finished repairs, Derlacki said.

As CNG crews worked to shut the gas line off, Derlacki had said the natural gas was "just escaping to the atmosphere and no buildings are threatened."

Blenheim Place and Gloucester Lane were closed and the eastbound right lane of Empire Avenue was restricted, causing minor traffic delays. Derlacki had urged motorists to "please avoid the area if possible."