Residents able to return following 'major gas leak' on Washington Pike in Collier Township
COLLIER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - The public is being asked to avoid the area after what the Presto Volunteer Fire Department is calling a "major gas leak" in Collier Township.
The leak happened when a contractor working on a road widening project hit a high-pressure gas line, according to Columbia Gas.
This all happened at the intersection of Washington Pike and Vanadium Road.
Columbia Gas said the line is shut off and considered safe - they have told us that they have isolated the line, and begun bleeding it, but work remains to secure it.
Right now, residents in the area are being evacuated and they are able to take shelter at the Presto Volunteer Fire Department where the Salvation Army and Red Cross are on hand to help those in need.
Now that the gas has been shut off, residents are able to return to their homes, but traffic remains an issue.
Washington Pike (Route 50), is open, but only just one lane in each direction between the I-79 Heidelberg/Collier Interchange and Mayer Street.
Vanadium Road remains closed at Route 50.
Also, the Chartiers Valley School District has said that the gas line rupture will not impact school buildings, but it could bring some transportation delays. The district is working to use alternate routes to avoid the area.