MN: Gas Line Hit in Light-Rail Construction Zone; School Evacuated

May 27, 2011
A contractor working on the Central Corridor light-rail project in St. Paul hit a gas line this morning, prompting the evacuation of a nearby school, fire and utility officials said.

A contractor working on the Central Corridor light-rail project in St. Paul hit a gas line this morning, prompting the evacuation of a nearby school, fire and utility officials said.

Around 7:57 a.m., a contractor operating a bulldozer hit a 2-inch gas main at Franklin and University avenues, said Tom Hoen, Xcel Energy spokesman.

St. Paul firefighters blocked traffic at that intersection as a precaution, said St. Paul Deputy Fire Chief Lance Sanetra.

Metro Transit routes 16 and 50 were detoured for about 20 minutes, said Metro Transit spokesman John Siqveland.

Firefighters checked buildings in the area and evacuated a nearby charter school briefly, Sanetra said. No one was injured.

No Xcel customers were affected, Hoen said.

The leak was stopped at 8:27 a.m., Sanetra said.

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