Posted on 02/08/2005 10:49:47 AM PST by bvw
Pennsylvania state police have shut down the Pennsylvania Turnpike in both directions between exits 351 (the Route 1/Philadelphia interchange) and 358 (the Delaware Valley interchange). Also shut down is the turnpike connector bridge over the Delaware River between the NJ and Pennsylvania turnpikes.
Peco Energy crews are on the scene. A company spokesman says shutting down the leaking pipeline and sounding the all-clear may not come until close to the evening rush hour.
A large number of homes, the St. Ephrem School (right), and two shopping centers have also been evacuated as a precaution.
The leaking gas main runs beneath the turnpike near Hulmeville Road. A Peco spokesman says the steel, six-inch diameter, high pressure gas line was apparently damaged during some construction in the area.
Police called for a number of buses to transport evacuees away from the area. About 800-900 students from St. Ephrem School were taken to Bensalem High School, where they were to remain for the rest of the school day.
There has been no fire and there have been no injuries.
Officials say once the ruptured main has been shut down, the turnpike will be allowed to reopen and people will be allowed to return to their homes and businesses.
Folks will have a hard time getting home from work in that area tonight. Does the affected area include the roads to the airport?
TG no one has been hurt.
The main airport is on the southside of Philly. This gas leak is on the north. Shouldn't affect airport traffic much.
No, unless you count Rt. 95, which you get to from the Turnpike from this exit, IIRC. The Philly airport is about 20 miles south of the problem (on the other side of the city).
Still, this is a very densely built-up area, with much traffic. Big problem.
(steely)
Thanks for the info.
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