Rt. 61 reopens after gas leak in Schuylkill County (updated) – Pottsville Republican Herald

The gas leak that could be heard along Route 61 near the Coal Creek Commerce Center has been fixed. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Route 61 were open to traffic between Saint Clair as of 4:50 p.m., according to the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management.

As of 3 p.m., the gas leak had been isolated, Rich Stahovich, senior manager business development with UGI said at 3:35 p.m. He classified the leak as “major” from an 8-inch steel line. Engineers will determine the volume of gas that escaped.

A loud hissing of a gas could be heard along Route 61 near the Coal Creek Commerce Center Wednesday.

The Saint Clair Fire Department was notified at 7:50 a.m. for the leak, which is in the southbound lanes of Route 61, within sight of the former Mount Carbon bridge relocated near Mill Creek near the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Saint Clair Fire Chief Frank Uhrin said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said in a press release a contractor working on a Frackville Grade Improvement Project, which is the largest project ever in the county, struck a gas line.

“We’re hoping for a quick resolution,” John Blickley, director of Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management said on scene at 12:30 p.m.

UGI is providing updates on the status of fixing the leak, he said.

He confirmed a road construction contractor hit the line between Terry Reiley Boulevard and Darkwater Road, although exact details of the size of the line and gas released wasn’t immediately available.

Route 61 traffic is detoured on Interstate 81, Route 901 and Route 209.

“We want to try to minimize the impact to our customers,” he said of the 17 impacted so far.

Several stores located in the Coal Creek Commerce Center were closed in close proximity to the leak.

Walmart, Home Depot and Tractor Supply were open for business. A sign on the door of Taco Bell said it was unable to serve any fried foods because of the gas leak.

School districts were notified of the road closure by the SCEMA and 911 center.

The five-year, $115 million project involves full roadway construction, wider shoulders and other needed work. Traffic signals and turning lanes will also be added to the intersection with Dark Water Road in New Castle Twp.

“Obviously, we all know about this construction. Be aware of the issues that can arise in this area and be prepared to take an alternate route,” Blickley said.

Emergency crews block off Route 61 at Terry Rich Blvd. as crews work to resolve a gas line break along Route 61 between Saint Clair and Frackville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024…DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Saint Clair police block off Route 61 at Terry Rich Blvd. as crews work to resolve a gas line break along Route 61 between Saint Clair and Frackville on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024…DAVID MCKEOWN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Motorists are warned to expect delays and use caution driving through the area. Once all repairs are made Route 61 will re-open.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.