UPDATE (3 p.m.) — The gas company has secured the leak and all lanes of traffic on Highway 17 are now open, according to New Hanover County spokesperson Jessica Loeper.
“We appreciate the great work of New Hanover County Fire Rescue to help secure the scene and help keep our community safe,” Loeper said.
SCOTTS HILL — A gas leak near the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Emergency Department North facility has shut down both lanes of traffic on Highway 17 just north of the I-140 interchange.
According to a tweet early Thursday afternoon from New Hanover Deputy Fire Chief Matt Davis, fire rescue crews are on the scene of the gas leak at the 8900 block of Market Street.
“All north and south-bound traffic on Highway 17 is currently shut down and all lanes will likely be closed for an extended period of time, so travelers need to find an alternate route,” according to New Hanover County spokesperson Jessica Loeper. “The gas company is on scene, and the public should stay clear of the area.”
Loeper recommended travelers heading north on Market Street from Wilmington take an alternative route of I-40 to NC-210. The I-140 ramp near the gas leak is not closed, according to Loeper.
The gas company indicated it would take several hours to finish repairs, Davis said. He posted the alert at around 1:20 p.m. Thursday.
