A Don Mann Excavating crew hit a high-pressure line during construction work on Shelbourne Street Monday morning, causing a gas leak at the intersection of Shelbourne and Donnelly streets.
Shelbourne was closed between Donnelly and Pear streets as a result of the gas leak, which began in the late morning. There was a strong smell of gas in the area.
B.C. Transit said bus routes 27 and 28 were detouring down Cedar Hill X Road, Cedar Hill Road, and North Dairy Road “until further notice.”
Saanich spokesperson Adam Flint said in a statement that FortisBC was on site to fix the issue, which was expected to be resolved by 4 p.m.
Police are directing traffic, he said, adding that northbound traffic was being rerouted at Cedar Hill Road and southbound traffic was being rerouted at Pear Street.
The section of Shelbourne between Donnelly Avenue and Pear Street has seen construction over the summer as part of a multi-year $23-million upgrade from Torquay Drive to North Dairy Road for road surface and underground infrastructure improvements.
Meanwhile, Oak Bay fire crews responded to a residential gas leak around 11:30 a.m. Monday in the 2300-block of Estevan Avenue.
In a statement on social media, the Oak Bay fire department said that section of Estevan Avenue will be closed while FortisBC completes repairs. The public is asked to avoid the area or expect delays.
