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Contractor hits gas line in Carol Stream

A contractor on the Armstrong Park flood-control project in Carol Stream hit an unmarked gas line Thursday morning, causing headaches for parents trying to get their children to nearby schools.

The 2-inch gas line was struck near the Gretna Station Museum & Caboose located at the park's entrance off Illini Drive.

DuPage County Board member Jim Zay was driving by the park about 7:40 a.m. to drop his son off at school when they detected gas in the air.

“I smelled gas and called our people right away,” said Zay, chairman of the county board's stormwater committee, which has had oversight of the project at Armstrong Park.

Zay said the contractor was digging in an area thought to not have any utilities. There's weren't markings saying so, even though other areas in the park had been marked in advance of the project.

“The contractor knew it as soon as he hit it,” Zay said. “He called Nicor right away.”

Repairs were made by noon.

An announcement on the website of Carol Stream School District 93 said mechanical systems at Jay Stream Middle School were shut off Thursday morning as a precaution, but were later turned on. Students at Carol Stream School, Roy DeShane School and Western Trails School were allowed outdoors for recess.

The $12.5 million flood relief project at Armstrong Park, which involves construction of two reservoirs, won't be delayed as a result of the gas line break, Zay said. The project is expected to be completed next year.

“It was an inconvenience and taken care of quickly,” Zay said.

Work to improve park begins

DuPage County to receive $18.9 million in federal flood relief

Carol Stream making progress on road, park projects

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