Traffic & Transit
Evacuations, Road Closures After Danvers Gas Line Struck
A gas line rupture in Danvers forced businesses to be evacuated and traffic diverted off Route 1 midday Thursday.
DANVERS, MA — A ruptured gas line in Danvers forced the evacuation of some businesses and the closing of Route 1 North for about two hours midday Thursday.
While work on the line was ongoing, Massachusetts State Police reported the road was set to reopen about 1:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
State police said that "for precautionary reasons" staff and patrols and Costco, Hardcover restaurant and TGI Friday's were evacuated. State police said emergency services were standing by, but no injuries were reported as of late Thursday morning.
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Northbound traffic on Route 1 was diverted onto Lowell Street. Route 1 South remained open as of noon Thursday.
Major traffic delay Major traffic delay happening now. RT 1N closed and traffic being diverted to Lowell St. Avoid this area if possible.
— Peabody Police (@PeabodyPolice) October 8, 2020
State police said a working utility company struck the gas line.
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
UPDATE 3 - Rt 1 NB remains shut down in Danvers in area of TGIFridays w/ traffic being diverted at Lowell St. Peabody. Utility company is working to repair the rupture. Area of the line rupture is behind the barrels in the photo. https://t.co/zuqFFNhjyz pic.twitter.com/v1RuUdcOKF
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 8, 2020
Police said about 1 p.m. that a gas valve was shut off, and repairs were still to be done, but that Route 1 was expected to be reopened about 1:15.
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