A shelter-in-place order is in effect in the area of Howell Mill Road just off I-75 in northwest Atlanta because of a natural gas leak.
An Atlanta Fire Rescue spokesperson said crews responded at about 11:20 a.m. Thursday to 1800 Howell Mill Road.
“We recommend people in the area shelter-in-place as Atlanta Gas Light works to repair the 6-inch high-pressure leak,” Anaré Holmes said in an email.
The issue has closed the southbound I-75 exit to Howell Mill, which is shut down between the interstate and Defoor Avenue. The strong odor could also be smelled nearby on Northside Drive.
An Atlanta Gas Light official said a contractor ruptured the line. Holmes confirmed that a fiber internet cable was being installed Thursday morning.
“At Atlanta Gas Light, the safety of our employees, customers and the public is our number one value,” spokesperson DeAllous Smith said in a statement. “A contractor not affiliated with Atlanta Gas Light damaged our gas line. Atlanta Gas Light crews are currently on-site, working to safely repair the damage.”
Credit: Ben Hendren for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: Ben Hendren for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The flow of gas appeared to kick up a cloud of dirt that continuously spread Thursday afternoon among the workers on the closed portion of the busy road. The area is just north of a Wendy’s restaurant and Einstein Bros Bagels store. It’s also a short distance from the The District at Howell Mill shopping mall, home to an Office Depot, T.J. Maxx, PetSmart and a few restaurants.
Several establishments remained open despite the issues, including a Verizon store, Starbucks and a doctors office in the Piedmont West building that said it was still open and seeing patients.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
There is no timeline for when repairs will be completed or when the road will reopen.
Motorists should use Northside Drive as an alternate. Holmes said traffic is being rerouted to avoid Holly Street to the I-75 overpass.
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution photojournalist is at the scene.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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