Broadway and I-15 intersection gas leak located and stopped
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - UPDATE 4:50 p.m. Crews located and stopped the gas leak on Broadway Friday afternoon.
The leak was found at a light pole near the intersection of Broadway and I-15.
Officials have opened one of the westbound lanes; however, as the leak was found on the east side of the intersection, the eastbound lanes remain closed.
Traffic will continue to be diverted around that area for at least two days as they work to repair the leak.
Intermountain Gas reported access to all businesses is open and can return to normal operations.
The cause of the leak has not been determined.
UPDATE: 3:30 p.m. - Intermountain Gas has secured the leak in a pipe near the intersection. The cause of the leak is still unknown.
They plan to re-open the intersection around 6:30-7 p.m. Friday night.
It is still unknown when Intermountain Gas will resume complete service.
UPDATE: 12:10 p.m. -Intermountain Gas reports emergency crews are still working to identify exactly where a natural gas leak may be.
There is no gas in any of the structures in the area.
Some was found in a nearby electricity conduit, but that has been vented and is no longer a threat.
Spokesman Mark Hanson said crews have capped off buried, 4-inch steel gas lines. That will isolate the area in which the leak is located and allow service to be maintained in un-affected areas.
Once blocked, crews will pressure-test that section of pipeline with air to determine where the leak is located and how best to repair it.
UPDATE: 8:15 a.m.
The intersection of Broadway and Interstate 15 exit remained closed Friday morning because of a natural gas leak.
Idaho Falls Police have blocked off Broadway from South Utah Avenue west to Saturn Avenue. Crews are attempting to locate and stop the gas leak, originally reported at 5:05 p.m. Thursday.
The southbound on-ramp at Broadway is closed, but there are no closures on the interstate itself.
No injuries are reported, but air monitoring reveals that gas levels are lower this morning. Crews believe they may have isolated the issue.
Idaho Falls Power turned off power to the traffic light and intersection to allow crews to drill around electrical wiring.
Overnight, firefighters and employees of Intermountain Gas monitored carbon monoxide and natural gas levels every 30 minutes at each of the businesses in the area and at manholes in the vicinity.
Three businesses on the west side of I-15 were evacuated as a precaution. They were O’Brady’s Restaurant, Lend Nation and Jack-in-the-Box. They will remain closed until the leak has been located and stopped.
ORIGINAL STORY: Idaho Falls Police are shutting down the intersection of Interstate 15 and Broadway due to a gas leak.
Broadway is blocked off from the east side of I015 (S Utah Avenue) to the west side of I015 (Saturn).
There is a strong odor of gas and Idaho Falls Fire is working on finding the leak.
Brady’s Restaurant and Lend Nation have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
You are asked to please avoid the area.
