On July 28, 2016, as of 1:45 PM, all previously reported gas leaks in the 100 and 200 blocks of Cherokee Street in Downtown Kingsport have been contained. Most area roadways are back open to traffic; however, the following two sections will remain closed for the remainder of the day to allow for safe and efficient repair:
1) East Market Street between Commerce and Cumberland Streets
2) Cherokee Street between East Center and Main Streets
Additionally, businesses and residences in the immediate area may notice a temporary interruption in their gas service. Repairs are underway and are currently estimated to be completed by Friday morning. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and seek an alternate route, so as to avoid the two sections of roadway that remain closed.
The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank our citizenry for their continued patience and understanding while we attempted to sort out the convoluted nature of this inconvenient incident.
As previously released:
On July 28, 2016 at approximately 1:15 PM, repair crews located a second gas line break in Downtown Kingsport, this time in the 100 block of Cherokee Street. As a result, several blocks of surrounding roadways are again closed to traffic. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, seek an alternate route, and avoid the Downtown Kingsport area altogether unless absolutely necessary. Repairs are underway with currently no time estimate regarding their completion.
As previously released:
On July 28, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, the Kingsport Police Department was notified that a construction crew had unintentionally ruptured a gas line in the 200 block of Cherokee Street in Downtown Kingsport. While several blocks of the surrounding roadways were temporarily closed, most of those roadways are now reopened for traffic.
As of 1:00 PM, only the 200 block of Cherokee Street remains closed to traffic. Repair crews have temporarily shut off the flow of natural gas to a significant portion of the surrounding area to allow for safe and efficient repair. These inconveniences will likely remain in place for the remainder of the day until repairs are complete.
As previously released:
On July 28, 2016 at approximately 12:30 PM, the Kingsport Police Department was notified that a construction crew had unintentionally ruptured a gas line in the 200 block of Cherokee Street in Downtown Kingsport. As a result, a section of East Center Street, between the cross-streets of Commerce Street and East Sullivan Street will be temporarily closed to allow for safe and efficient repair.
The City of Kingsport Traffic Department is in the process of implementing detours; however, the most prudent course of action for motorists is to plan ahead, seek an alternate route, and avoid the area altogether to avoid congestion and delays. A follow-up news release will be issued when this matter is resolved. |