Queensgate roads, stores back open after gas leak forces major evacuation

A construction company working near Richland’s Duportail shopping corridor broke a gas line, and triggered evacuations Tuesday afternoon.

A construction company was working near the intersection of Duportail Street and Keene Road when it hit a 2-inch gas line just before 2 p.m.

People reported seeing a plume of dust go up just before Richland firefighters arrived.

The gas leak was strong enough to shut down both sides of the busy shopping area including closing Target.

Roads were closed and stores were evacuated for a couple hours.

Granite Construction company was working in the area on a project for the city of Richland to improve the intersection.

The escaping natural gas was strong enough to require shutting down Keene Road, Kennedy Road, Duportail Street and Queensgate Drive, said officials.

The evacuations and closures caused serious traffic congestion in the area.

Cascade Natural Gas was able to seal off the leak by 4:30, and police opened up the area roads again.

Police went door-to-door to tell stores it was safe to open back up.

This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 4:12 PM.