SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A natural gas leak in Sunny Isles Beach has been repaired but continues to cause traffic issues into Thursday afternoon.
Crews capped the natural gas leak that was damaged along State Road A1A, just after 11:15 a.m.
According to officials, at around 1 a.m., construction crews working on a city project were digging, when they hit the gas line.
“The City of Sunny Isles Beach is actually in the process of removing all the overhead power lines and utility lines and putting them underground,” explained Sunny Isles Beach Police Sergeant Brian Schnell.
All north and southbound lanes along Collins Avenue, from 167th Street to 172nd Street, were shut down for hours. Just after 3 p.m., authorities reopened two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. Traffic along the northbound lanes is backed up all the way to Bal Harbour.
“No, don’t come over here,” said a resident.
“If you have to come this way, there are ways to get through,” said Schnell. “We can get you to wherever you have to go, but if you don’t need to be here, if you’re commuting to Broward or you’re heading down to Miami Beach use Biscayne Boulevard or another route.”
Though the line is repaired, the entrances to several businesses in the area remain blocked. Restaurants on the stretch between 167th and 172nd Street are expected to be closed Thursday, as many of them will not have access to gas.
“I’m coming from Hillcrest, and I have to get over here,” said another resident. “It took me an hour and a half.”
“I heard it all night from my window, up in the hotel that we’re staying at, so it’s crazy,” said Mike Brooks, who is visiting from out of town. “I thought they were fixing the streets.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue continues to monitor the scene for any safety issues that may arise. “Be patient,” said a resident. “Woo-sah, and you good to go.”
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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