Cascade Natural Gas crews stop leak, repair line broken by contractor that closed Highway 126 for several hours

(Update: Gas leak stopped late Monday night, repairs completed early Tuesday)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A contractor working on an ADA curb ramp project in Redmond hit a natural gas line Monday afternoon, causing a leak that shut Highway 126 and other roads in the area for several hours. Crews were on scene until early Tuesday to stop the leak and complete repairs.

The gas leak was reported around 3:15 p.m. in. the area of SW Highland Avenue (Oregon Highway 126) and 11th Street. A Cascade Natural Gas representative said they hit a two-inch steel pipe.

As a result, ODOT closed the highway at the intersection with 12th Street near milepost 111. The agency warned motorists of the closure on TripCheck and issued an alert to "expect extended delays or use an alternate route." It said a detour was in place by 5:30 p.m.

Mark Snider, a spokesman for CNG parent firm MDU Resources Group, told KTVZ News on Tuesday, "The gas leak was stopped at approximately 10:45 p.m. and repairs were completed at 4:30 this morning."

The curb ramp project occurring this year and next in Redmond and Prineville is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards on state highways at various locations in the two communities.