A construction crew hit an underground gas line along Route 83 in Long Grove Wednesday morning, causing a large leak and an ongoing road closure while repairs are being made.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Long Grove Fire Protection District responded around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday to the area of Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove for a report of a natural gas leak.
Firefighters arrived and confirmed that natural gas was leaking after a main line was hit, Long Grove Battalion Fire Chief Shaun Unell said.
Nicor Gas was notified, and their crews responded to the scene.
A construction crew, unaffiliated with Nicor Gas, hit the underground gas line at the southeast corner of Route 83 and Hilltop Road while performing work, a Lake & McHenry County Scanner reporter learned at the scene.
Numerous Nicor Gas repairmen, along with other utility companies like USIC, tended to the gas leak.
Heavy equipment, like excavators, was brought to the scene.
Firefighters stood by into the afternoon to assist in securing the area before later being released by the gas company.
Sheriff’s deputies shut down the northbound lanes of Route 83 at Aptakisic Road. Southbound traffic remained unaffected.
No injuries or illnesses were reported.
Northbound Route 83 at Aptakisic Road remains shut down as of 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The road closure led to heavy delays on Route 83 and surrounding roads, especially during rush hour.
“Ensuring the safety of our customers and communities we serve is our No. 1 value,” a spokesperson for Nicor Gas told Lake & McHenry County Scanner.
“Nicor Gas’ underground infrastructure was damaged during work unrelated to the company in the 5300 block of Route 83 in Long Grove.”
“Company personnel remain on the scene to assist local emergency responders in securing the site and safely and efficiently make the necessary repairs to the damaged natural gas line,” the spokesperson added.