Rock Hill drivers hit an unexpected snag Wednesday when a third party struck a natural-gas line in an active work zone near Little Street and Carolina Avenue, prompting a swift response from emergency and repair crews. The York County Natural Gas Authority said crews were on scene by about 1 p.m., warning residents they might smell gas while workers secure the damaged line. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the area and brace for delays, with no word yet on when traffic will fully return to normal.
What officials said
According to WBTV, the York County Natural Gas Authority said a third party damaged the line near the Little Street and Carolina Avenue intersection. The agency told WBTV that “the smell of natural gas may be present during repairs” and said crews would keep monitoring the area until the release was contained. Officials added that the strike happened inside an active work zone where closures were already in place for an ongoing project, so drivers were already dealing with some disruption before the hit.
How to stay safe
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, then call 9-1-1 and the York County Natural Gas Authority’s emergency line, the agency advises. The York County Natural Gas Authority lists a 24-hour emergency number at (803) 323-5304 and urges people to call from a safe location, not from inside the affected area. Residents with concerns are asked to stay out of the work zone and follow instructions from responders on scene.
Traffic and delays expected
Drivers were urged to avoid the Little Street and Carolina Avenue area while crews make repairs, and traffic was expected to be impacted, per WBTV. The strike could extend lane closures that were already in place for the ongoing project, and local traffic patterns may shift as workers move equipment and personnel around the scene. Motorists should build in extra travel time and consider alternate routes through Rock Hill until the all-clear is given.
What to watch next
Officials have not released a timetable for repairs, and assessments were still underway Wednesday afternoon. The York County Natural Gas Authority and local agencies plan to post updates as work continues; check the York County Natural Gas Authority and local traffic reports for the latest information. We will update this story if officials release additional details.
