Sewer and water contractors working in Cochrane this summer may be glad to see the season come to a close, as another pipe was accidently dug up today on Centre Ave. just north of 1st St. where construction had closed the busy intersection down for weeks prior to reopening recently.
The busy intersection wasn’t even completely restored, as it was converted to a temporary 4-way stop while awaiting parts for the new street lights.
And now this.
Centre Ave. northbound had to be blocked off (again) to facilitate repairs.
Fire Chief Shawn Polly, who was on site supervising, and was just off a two-week stint as the Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the sewer and water break at Riverfront Park, said the two-inch gas line was inadvertently pulled from the gas main by the contractor, prompting an immediate evacuation of the three nearest residents until the break could be repaired. At 2 pm when The Eagle spoke with Polley, the gas had been turned off but there was still a slight lingering odour in the air.
Sometimes, it seems, when the ground is dug up, there is always a chance of a mishap.
“It looks like the contractor unfortunately came in contact with the gas line. They had all the locates done and were doing all the right things and there’s some unfortunate circumstance there – we’re not sure of all the lead-up, but fire crews arrived to find a two-inch gas line venting into the atmosphere,” Polley said.
They immediately evacuated three buildings a day care, doctor’s office and the Masons Lodge on Centre Ave.
Polley said that was done just to be cautious – they weren’t in any immediate risk.
Atco Gas was called and arrived in minutes to shut down the line, and Polley said there was no fire danger.
He said he suspected the Town would be in touch with the contractor to determine the root cause of the accident.
