U.S. 129/Cleveland Highway was blocked at Imperial Drive Wednesday afternoon for almost three hours after what authorities described as a "large gas line break."
Gainesville Fire Department Division Chief Keith Smith said Cleveland Highway was closed between Limestone Parkway and Lakeland Road just after the fire department was alerted about the smell of gas in the area around 11:30 a.m.
"After an investigation, we found what's called a directional driller," Smith said. "Apparently this drill accidentally hit a gas line. What makes it rougher to access is because it's running under Cleveland Highway."
Smith said Liberty Utilities and the Georgia Department of Transportation were assessing repair of the gas line. Georgia DOT spokeswoman Katie Strickland said the utility company would take charge of the repair work.
Liberty Utilities has not been available yet for comment on the damaged line.
No homes or businesses in the area had to be evacuated, according to Smith, and traffic disruption was the major issue associated with the damaged line.
