REDMOND, Ore. – A natural gas line was struck by a contractor working on an ADA curb ramp project Monday afternoon,prompting the closure of Highway 126 adn surrounding roads for several hours. Repairs were completed early Tuesday, restoring service and reopening the highway.
The leak was reported around 3:15 p.m.near the intersection of SW Highland Avenue (Oregon Highway 126) and 11th Street.Cascade Natural Gas (CNG) confirmed a two-inch steel pipe was hit during the curb ramp construction.
The Oregon department of transportation (ODOT) closed Highway 126 at 12th Street, near milepost 111, advising motorists of the closure on TripCheck and recommending alternate routes. A detour was established by 5:30 p.m.
according to Mark Snider, a spokesman for CNG parent firm MDU Resources Group, the gas leak was stopped at approximately 10:45 p.m. Monday, and repairs were finalized at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The curb ramp project, spanning this year and next, aims to bring state highways in Redmond and Prineville into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards at various locations.
