MATTHEWS, N.C. — Residents in a Matthews neighborhood are once again dealing with traffic disruptions and safety concerns after a damaged natural gas line forced road closures Thursday. The road reopened later that night.
The leak occurred along Pleasant Plains Road near McKee Road, where Piedmont Natural Gas says a third-party excavator struck a gas line around midday.
Crews spent hours at the scene and were able to stop the flow of gas by early evening, though repairs were still underway Thursday night.
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The incident happened less than two months after a major gas line explosion about a half-mile away, leaving many neighbors with a sense of déjà vu.
Resident John Lynch said the road closure created major inconveniences for those living nearby.
“This is only one way in and one way out to people going in, and they don’t realize they can’t get out,” Lynch said.
He said traffic has been backed up throughout the day, with drivers forced to turn around in his subdivision.
“It’s been like this all day. It’s been difficult to get out,” he said.
Longtime resident Tom Harff, who lives near the site of May’s gas line explosion, said he was shocked to learn another gas line had been damaged in the area.
“I just told my wife. She’s like, ‘You’re kidding.’ I’m like, ‘No.’ The first time I was blown away,” Harff said.
Harff also questioned how another similar incident could happen.
“You would think you would have it marked. You don’t think you would do it twice in a lifetime,” he said.
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In a statement, Piedmont Natural Gas said safety remains its top priority.
“Piedmont’s highest priority is the safe operation of our natural gas delivery system and the safety of our customers, employees and communities. Our technicians are highly trained to respond to leaks,” the company said.
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