Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Route 9 East Shut Down After Major Gas Main Break in Newton

The gas main was struck in front of The Capital Grille.

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Updated 2 p.m.

The Newton Police Department is reporting that Route 9 eastbound has been reopened. 

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1:30 p.m.

Scanner reports indicate that the gas leak has been stopped. Crews are still on scene and the road is still shut down at this time. 

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

12:53 p.m.

According to the scanner, a water line is still in use at the scene (to keep gas vapors down) as crews are still working on shutting down the gas line.

12:25 p.m.

According to Newton Police, the diverted traffic on Florence Street is being directed on to Hammond Pond Parkway then back onto Route 9 eastbound.

Patch correspondent reports that Newton Fire has a few hose lines open and operating to keep the gas vapors down in the area. 

12:20 p.m.

The Massachusetts State Police are reporting via Twitter that National Grid is on scene at the incident along with the Newton Fire Department. 

Posted earlier:

Route 9 eastbound has been shut down this morning after construction crews struck a gas main in front of The Capital Grille (250 Boylston St.)

According to scanner reports, Route 9 eastbound is shut down at Florence Street and traffic is being diverted on to Florence Street.

Patch reporter indicates that eastbound traffic is gridlocked for at least a mile.

Westbound traffic appears to be open at this time, however, cars are moving slowly.

Scanner reports indicate a 24-inch gas line was struck. Around 12:13 p.m., crews reported it was "going to be a couple of hours" before things are settled at the scene on Route 9. Newton Engine 3 and Ladder 2 are being held at the incident. 

Newton Fire crews are currently checking nearby buildings for gas, including apartments at 280 Boylston, The Capital Grille, the Shreve Crump & Low and nearby , according to scanner reports. 

Crews are also heading down to the Chestnut Hill Square site to see if there is any blasting going on today.

Stay with Newton Patch for more updates on this story. 


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