News Summary
Matthews, NC faced significant traffic disruptions on April 29, 2025, due to a gas leak caused by construction work. The incident closed the I-485 overpass over John Street, leading to extensive delays as drivers were rerouted. Emergency services were called, and although the area has since reopened, the accident highlights the importance of safety measures during construction projects.
Matthews, NC experienced significant traffic disruptions during the Tuesday morning commute due to a gas leak caused by ongoing construction work. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on April 29, 2025, resulting in the closure of the I-485 overpass over John Street, which has severely affected the flow of vehicles in the area.
During the incident, drivers faced extensive delays as traffic was diverted onto offramps, leading to additional congestion not only on I-485 but also on surrounding roads, including Pineville-Matthews Road. The southbound lanes of John Street, located beneath the I-485 bridge, were also closed while repairs were underway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation initially estimated that the road would remain closed until noon; however, the area was cleared and reopened to traffic at around 9:00 a.m.
The Matthews Fire Department reported that the gas leak resulted from construction crews installing fiber optic lines for traffic cameras accidentally striking a 6-inch gas line. Gas meters in the vicinity indicated levels classified as being in the “explosive stage,” which necessitated immediate road closures on East John Street and the I-485 overpass for safety reasons. Emergency services were dispatched promptly to address the situation and prevent any potential hazards.
As a precautionary measure, both ends of the gas leak have been capped by Piedmont Natural Gas, enabling some traffic on East John Street to resume. However, the outbound lanes of this road continue to remain closed as the necessary camera installations are completed.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries stemming from the gas leak, allowing authorities to focus on restoring normalcy to the area without any harm to public safety. Despite the temporary disruption, traffic patterns are expected to stabilize as crews conclude their work and the roads are fully reopened.
This incident underscores the importance of diligent safety measures during construction projects, particularly when utilities such as gas lines are involved. It serves as a reminder to drivers to remain cautious and patient during roadwork and utility maintenance, particularly in densely populated areas like Matthews.
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Gas leak
- WCNC
- Google Search: Matthews NC gas leak
- WSOC TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction safety
- QC News
- Google News: Matthews NC traffic disruption
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