Part of Route 47 in Woodstock was completely shut down for hours after a construction crew hit a natural gas line, causing a large gas leak Friday afternoon.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Woodstock Police Department responded around 12:05 p.m. Friday to the 500 block of North Eastwood Drive, formerly known as Route 47, for an odor investigation.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said it was reported that a construction crew struck a natural gas line near the roadway along Eastwood Drive south of McHenry Avenue.
Firefighters arrived and confirmed an active natural gas leak, with a loud hissing noise coming from the damaged line.
Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours while utility crews worked to isolate and secure the leak, Vucha said.
The City of Woodstock issued an advisory saying that Route 47 was closed between Route 120, also known as McHenry Avenue, and Irving Avenue after the gas line was struck near Center Street.
“The closure is expected to last for approximately 4 hours while repairs are completed. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route until further notice. We will share an update as soon as Route 47 has reopened. Thank you for your patience,” the advisory said.
The gas line was successfully secured around 3:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Vucha said repairs to the damaged line required the roadway to remain closed for several additional hours despite the leak having been stopped.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District also responded to several reports of a smell of natural gas in the surrounding area during the incident.
Firefighters investigated each report and confirmed there were no additional leaks or hazards, Vucha said.
Route 47, also known as North Eastwood Drive, reopened to traffic around 6:30 p.m. Friday.