Chief Stephen Bradbury reports that the Newburyport Fire Department responded to the scene of a gas leak Monday near the city’s library.
Crews were called to the scene at 8:18 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, after patrons entering the library building on State Street reported smelling gas outside.
Lower explosive limit readings in the foundation of the older wing of the building were enough for fire crews to close the library facility earlier than normal.
A large crack was discovered in a six-inch main under State Street that was installed around 1910. National Grid crews placed a clamp on the pipe to stop the leak.
National Grid crews will remain on the scene overnight to monitor the situation. Crews had to tear up portions of the street, so traffic may be delayed or detoured in the area.
Other than National Grid’s work there are no reasons for the library to not open on time in the morning, Chief Bradbury said.
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