Washington Gas Fixes Pipe Leak In Eastern Loudoun

STERLING, VA — A construction crew struck a natural gas line in eastern Loudoun County shortly before noon Friday, causing traffic to be detoured on Route 7 between Cascades Parkway and Sterling Boulevard. The natural gas line was struck at the intersection of Potomac View Road and Route 7.

At 11:44 a.m. Friday, Loudoun Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to Route 7. Firefighters arrived on the scene and discovered that a large-diameter natural gas line owned by Washington Gas on Potomac View Road had been struck.

Firefighters set up atmospheric detection operations across the affected area to monitor conditions. Acceptable readings showed no hazard in the westbound lanes of Route 7, allowing that section of the roadway to remain open.

Washington Gas needed to dig into the roadway to fix the leak. In order to avoid shutting off gas to about 700 customers, Washington Gas was able to lower the pressure in the gas line and maintain service. Fire and rescue and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office maintained the road closures allowing Washington Gas to access and repair the damaged gas line

Fire and Rescue units remained on the scene until Washington Gas fixed the leak at about 4:45 a.m. on Saturday. Firefighters took gas readings throughout the area one final time to ensure the leak was contained and no hazardous conditions existed before allowing entry to the area, according to Loudoun Fire and Rescue.