MATTHEWS, N.C. — Interstate 485 was closed in both directions at E. John Street in Matthews because of a gas leak, police said Tuesday morning.
The interstate reopened at about 9 a.m., but repairs will continue on Tuesday.
The loop was closed near John Street around 6:30 a.m. The traffic impact was high.
The Matthews Fire Department says crews were installing fiber optic lines for traffic cameras when they struck a 6-inch gas line.
Meters used to monitor natural gas levels indicated they were in the “explosive stage,” leading to the closure of East John Street and I-485.
Piedmont Natural Gas has capped both ends of the leak, which has allowed the inbound lanes of East John Street at I-485 to reopen. However, the outbound lanes will remain closed while the camera installation is completed.
Chopper 9 Skyzoom was over the scene at about 11:30 a.m. and there was no congestion below.
Nobody has been reported to be hurt.
Stay updated on live traffic conditions at this link.
(VIDEO: New bill aims to extend, expand tax cuts)
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
