Update, 2:38 p.m.: Smithfield Dep. Fire Chief Jim Grenga said National Grid is working to isolate the gas line from the rest of the system so they can work on the leak without shutting down service to several area businesses.
The Smithfield Fire Department has Engine 1 and a ladder truck at the scene, and Smithfield Police are detouring traffic around the site at George Washington Highway (Rte. 116)'s intersections with Harris Road and Albion Road.
1 p.m.: A backhoe that was part of a construction job at FGX International, 500 George Washington Highway struck and punctured a high-pressure gas main this morning at about 11:30 a.m., prompting officials to shut down part of Rte. 116.
"It's going to be shut down for a while," said Smithfield Fire Chief Bob Seltzer. He said the area of Rte. 116 just after Rte. 295 is shut down while emergency crews secure the scene.
ABC 6 reports the shutdown is between the area of Albion Road in Lincoln & Harris Road on Rte. 116.
FGX is a designer and marketer of non-prescription reading glasses and sunglasses. There was no immediate information on the nature of the construction work being performed there.
Smithfield Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.
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