Gas main break closes part of Route 31 in St. Charles

A construction crew struck a gas main Friday afternoon on Route 31 in St. Charles, causing traffic to be detoured through the evening rush hour.

The gas main was struck around 12:30 p.m. on the east side of Route 31 at the intersection with Red Gate Road, located near St. Charles North High School, authorities said.

Route 31 has been closed between Silver Glen and Crane roads while Nicor Gas crews work to fix the line. Officials have advised that repairs could take a total of five hours, which means Route 31 may be closed until at least 7 p.m., St. Charles police said.

A detour is in effect from Silver Glen to Randall Road to Crane.

No injuries were reported, police said.

The gas main strike occurred just as students at St. Charles North were leaving for the day following final exams, according to Jim Blaney, spokesman for St. Charles School District 303.

“It didn’t affect operation of the building, but it did slow down dismissal,” Blaney said.