SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A natural gas leak near the Maine Motel on Route 1 prompted emergency crews to close the road and evacuate people from about a dozen homes and businesses for about 90 minutes on Friday morning.
A construction crew working near 606 Main St., which also is Route 1, struck a 4-inch gas main at about 8:40 a.m., and crews began the evacuation, according to South Portland Fire Department Lt. Robb Couture.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters did not detect any gas in the area, and at about 10:15 a.m., they began allowing residents and employees to return. Couture said repairs to the UNITIL natural gas line could stretch into the early afternoon.
Route 1 was reopened to one lane of traffic, but periodic closures of both lanes could take place throughout the morning. Couture urged drivers to seek alternate routes.