After receiving reports of a natural gas odor from a nearby business, Black Hills Energy has completed a thorough leak investigation in the area of 33rd and O Street in central Lincoln. Technicians determined repairs needed to be made to a gas main on the south side of the street near 34th & O Street. Due to the nature of the repairs and the size of the steel natural gas main, traffic in both the east and west lanes from 33rd to 35th streets will be closed for the foreseeable future. While the investigation was being completed, five businesses in the area were evacuated but they have now been allowed to return. No customers have lost service as a result of these repairs.
To complete repairs safely, technicians will perform a normal, safe procedure releasing the natural gas from the main. Residents in the area will smell natural gas and hear a loud noise similar to a jet engine while the procedure is occurring.
“We appreciate an area business owner taking the safe step of reporting a suspected natural gas odor and the partnership of Lincoln Fire and Rescue to ensure the safety of the area while our team completes the leak investigation and makes repairs,” stated Brandy Johnson, regional community affairs manager for Black Hills Energy. “The safety of our customers, employees and communities is our highest priority and we are committed to restoring traffic flow in the area as soon as safely possible.”