A gas leak that forced Battlefield Parkway to close for several hours Wednesday was caused by a contractor digging into a gas line, according to Atlanta Gas Light.
Atlanta Gas Light crews responded to a report of a damaged gas line near Fant Road in Fort Oglethorpe at approximately 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The company said the line was struck by a contractor performing work unrelated to Atlanta Gas Light.
The leak prompted emergency officials to shut down Battlefield Parkway as crews worked to secure the scene. Nearby businesses, including restaurants in the area, were temporarily evacuated and closed as a safety precaution.
Atlanta Gas Light crews were able to safely shut off the gas and complete repairs to the damaged line Wednesday.
“Atlanta Gas Light’s top value is the safety of our customers and the communities we serve,” the company said in a statement. “The gas line was damaged by a contractor performing work unrelated to Atlanta Gas Light. The gas was safely shut off, and repairs were completed Wednesday.”
Battlefield Parkway reopened after crews brought the situation under control, although motorists were initially asked to use caution as traffic congestion cleared from the area.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions along one of Fort Oglethorpe’s busiest commercial corridors while emergency personnel and gas crews worked at the scene.
No injuries were reported in connection with the gas leak.
Atlanta Gas Light did not identify the contractor involved or specify what type of work was being performed when the line was damaged.