Gas Leak Shuts Down U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor

Update, 6:49 p.m.: Both gas leaks have been repaired, and U.S. 19 is expected to reopen to traffic in 15 minutes, according to a news release from Palm Harbor Fire Rescue.

Earlier:

A gas leak has shut down traffic in both directions on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor, officials said.

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies say the roadway is closed off between Nebraska Avenue and Alderman Road. They are asking motorists to avoid the area if possible and to use alternate routes such as Belcher Road, Keene Road or U.S. Alternate 19 for north-south travel.

Workers with a private contractor mistakenly struck a gas line sometime around 5 p.m., according to Palm Harbor Fire Rescue spokesperson Liz Monforti. One leak has already been repaired, and a second leak under a sidewalk is being worked on by Clearwater Gas Systems.

There's no reason to be worried about respiratory distress or evacuations, Monforti said. The leak is 300 to 500 feet away from any buildings, and the wind is helping to dissipate the gas, she said.

Stay tuned to Patch for updates to this story.