Natural Gas Leak Shuts Down Busy Street in Lawrenceville

A natural gas leak closed a busy street in downtown Lawrenceville for nearly four hours during the afternoon commute Wednesday, March 19.

The leak, which was first discovered a little after 4 p.m., was brought under control around 8 p.m., according to Gwinnett Fire spokesman Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

“The source was found to be from a bad coupling on a ¾-inch gas line about four to five feet underground,” Rutledge said via email Wednesday evening. “An emergency crew from Lawrenceville Gas remained at the scene to make repairs to the coupling.”

There were no injuries reported and no evacuations needed, but the leak forced the closure of West Pike Street between Culver Street and Langley Drive, according to Rutledge. Lawrenceville Police Department officers diverted traffic away from the area.

This is an area just off the downtown square in a heavily travelled area of town.

Firefighters responded to the scene around at 4:22 p.m. after a cable utility worker reported smelling natural gas.

“Firefighters found a faint odor on arrival and requested the fire department's hazardous materials team to probe the area with meters,” Rutledge said. “Firefighters found high readings in a nearby manhole and determined that to be consistent with other manholes in close proximity.”

The gas company arrived to locate the leak, which was brought under control at 7:54 p.m., according to Rutledge.