Talbot Park area of Norfolk still without natural gas following incident
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Talbot Park area of Norfolk is still without natural gas service and there is no timeline for its restoration after a pipeline was “inadvertently” struck on Granby Street earlier Monday.
VNG is visiting each affected home to shut off gas meters, which it said “is essential for ensuring the safety of all residents as we prepare for the restoration of service.”
It said Monday evening it did not have a timeline to restore service to affected customers.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this situation has caused and are committed to working diligently through the night to expedite the restoration process,” VNG said in a statement. “However, we do not have a definitive timeline for when services will be fully restored. Once it is safe to do so, VNG personnel will proceed door to door to reactivate service, which will include entering homes to relight appliances, as necessary.
“Virginia Natural Gas understands the frustrations and concerns that come with service interruptions. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and assure our valued customers that we are deploying all available resources to resolve this situation promptly.”
The gas leak had shut down a part of Granby Street earlier today, as all northbound lanes were shut down between 7000 Granby Street and Seekel Street. One lane has since reopened, Norfolk Fire-Rescue said. Fire units were dispatched at 11:50 a.m. and later cleared the scene after 3 p.m. after completing safety inspections.
Virginia Natural Gas crews remained at the scene to perform repairs, per acting battalion chief Stacy Himes.
Himes said crews were expected to be out there for several hours due to the size and location of the gas line that’s leaking, and Norfolk police would remain to enforce the street closure.
VNG said the leak was caused by a third-party contractor that struck a 4-inch pipeline while digging on Granby Street earlier Monday.
“We confirmed the area safe at 2:45 p.m. and are now evaluating the impact of the incident,” VNG said. “The specific nature of the damage means there is a potential for service interruption due to the inability to back feed the main. Our efforts are focused on assessing the situation and restoring service as swiftly and safely as possible.”
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