DEVELOPING: Natural Gas Leak Shuts Down Highway 41 In Greenbrier
UPDATE: Highway 41 Reopens Following Gas Main Rupture In Greenbrier
GREENBRIER, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Highway 41 has fully reopened following a natural gas main rupture that shut down a section of the busy roadway for much of the day Tuesday.
According to Robertson County EMA Director Blake Pierce, the incident occurred when an excavator struck a natural gas main during excavation work near downtown Greenbrier.
As a result, all lanes of Highway 41 between Wilson Street and Main Street were initially closed in both directions while emergency crews worked to secure the area, monitor conditions, and begin repairs. As work progressed, traffic was eventually reduced to a single lane in each direction before the roadway was fully reopened later in the evening.
The leak remained active for several hours as crews worked to isolate and repair the damaged line. During that time, Greenbrier Fire Department personnel conducted air-quality monitoring throughout the area while utility crews worked to stop the flow of gas and complete repairs.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Greenbrier Fire Department, Robertson County Emergency Medical Services, Robertson County Emergency Management Agency, and Spire Natural Gas.
The closure affected traffic throughout the day, and some residents experienced difficulty accessing their homes while emergency operations were underway.
According to officials, no injuries were reported.
Greenbrier Fire Chief Kyle Hamel told Smokey Barn News there is no connection between the gas main rupture and a separate fire that occurred later in the day at the Sonic Drive-In in Greenbrier. Hamel said the fire appears to have been caused by a grease buildup. The fire was quickly extinguished, and cleanup efforts are underway.
Officials thanked motorists and residents for their patience as crews worked throughout the day to safely repair the damaged gas main and reopen the roadway.
