A “major” natural gas leak has forced local police in Longueuil, Que., to limit circulation along Taschereau Boulevard.
The incident was reported around 9:15 a.m., says a spokesperson for the Service de Police de l’agglomération de Longueuil (SPAL) François Boucher.
At that time police closed the street in both directions. The lanes in direction toward Brossard have since reopened.
The stretch of the boulevard between Curé-Poirier Boulevard and the Jacques-Cartier bridge remains closed for an indeterminate period of time, says Boucher. The bridge is still accessible from the opposite direction.
The leak appears to be due to a broken underground gas pipe, says Boucher, adding that gas distributor Énergir is onsite investigating.
He says that people should avoid the area to facilitate the limited flow of traffic.
Power to 473 Hydro-Québec clients along Taschereau Boulevard was cut as a prevention measure. Hydro-Québec estimates it will be restored around 3 p.m. today.
No injuries were reported.