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UPDATED: Shawnigan Lake Road, Sooke Lake Road reopen after gas lines damaged

Incidents a good reminder to check before digging
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The Drive BC website announced Shawnigan Lake Road is closed in both directions Wednesday afternoon. (Google Maps)

Sooke Lake Road and Shawnigan Lake Road were closed throughout Wednesday afternoon after two gas lines were damaged Wednesday morning.

Fortis BC had crews responding to Sooke Lake Road in Langford but by 3 p.m. found that no significant repairs were needed.

Nicole Bogdanovic, a spokesperson for Fortis BC, said a call was received about the damage at 10:45 a.m. and crews were on site just after 11:30 a.m.

READ MORE: Shawnigan Lake Road closed after gas line hit

Bogdanovic said the line services about 100 customers in the area but there would be little or no disruptions to them. She said Fortis was using a backup natural gas truck to service the customers while the damage was assessed.

“At this time if everything goes well we don’t expect any service interruptions,” Bogdanovic said earlier in the afternoon.

Bogdanovic said gas was blowing clear, which is the safest situation. She noted Sooke Lake Road was partially closed to traffic.

Shawnigan Lake Road was closed in both directions for several hours after a gas line was struck Wednesday morning. It reopened just in time for the evening commute.

READ MORE: Gas flowing again along Fortis BC’s Enbridge pipeline

Bogdanovic said Fortis BC has dealt with multiple gas line ruptures this week, some that occurred due to third party damage. She said these events are reminders to practice safe excavation when doing groundwork.

Bogdanovice said Fortis BC can even come out to a property to locate a gas line as well.

“Ninety per cent of hits to a gas line are preventable,” Bogdanovic said.

shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com


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