Crews plug gas leak in Wheeling
Utility crews were able to plug a "significant" gas leak on Hintz Road in Wheeling, where construction crews struck an 8-inch main Thursday, authorities said.
The leak was stopped at 5:50 p.m., though crews worked into the night on more permanent repairs to the main, said Wheeling Batallion Chief Mark Menzel.
Most lanes of Hintz between Lakeview Drive and Schoenbeck Road were reopened after having been shut down for much of the afternoon.
Nicor Gas crews brought in special welding equipment to bring the leak under control, Wheeling Deputy Fire Chief David Palmeri said.
"There is nothing that we would be able to do with our equipment to control a gas leak like this," Palmeri said.
The leak began when contractors were cutting curbs on Hintz Road between Waterman Lane and the VIP Apartments, Palmeri said.
Firefighters continued to monitor the air for gas levels around apartment complexes and other residences. No homes or businesses were evacuated, but the leak did produce an odor.
Nicor customers saw no disruption in their service, Palmeri said.
Officials estimated earlier that it would take eight to 10 hours to isolate the source of the leak and another four to eight to make repairs.
• Daily Herald staff writer Christopher Placek contributed to this report.