A construction company accidentally broke into a natural gas line Wednesday morning, Feb. 6, 2019, at the corner of Hixson Pike and Strawberry Lane. (Photo by Bruce Garner/Chattanooga Fire Department)A construction company accidentally broke into a natural gas line Wednesday morning at the corner of Hixson Pike and Strawberry Lane, temporarily shutting down Hixson Pike, according to a Chattanooga Fire Department news release.
Chattanooga firefighters and patrol units with the Chattanooga Police Department responded to the scene and immediately blocked off Hixson Pike from Ely Road to Bagwell Street.
Battalion Chief Carlos Hampton said the workers broke into a two-inch gas line, and the fumes could be seen bubbling up through cracks in the pavement on Hixson Pike.
Chattanooga police diverted traffic until technicians with the Chattanooga Gas Company could shut off the gas. After about an hour, the gas was successfully shut off and traffic was reopened on Hixson Pike.
Chief Hampton said one lane on the northbound side of Hixson Pike near Strawberry Lane would remain closed a little longer until the break in the line could be repaired.
No evacuations were necessary and no injuries were reported.