MONROE - Businesses along the west side of the Square, the southwest side of the Square and the Monroe Public Library were closed at about 9 a.m. Monday after a back hoe struck a gas line in the ally between west-side business and the parking ramp.
All of the buildings evacuated because of the gas leak, with the exception of the library, were opened by 2 p.m., Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said.
The library was reopened at about 3:15 p.m. Monday.
Monroe Deputy Fire Chief Lane Heins said a back hoe owned by E&N Hughes was digging up the ally to replace a storm sewer as part of the Streetscape program when it hit a gas line. There was a second leak in almost the same place as the first leak, Heins said, due to a back fill of gas in the line.
The library was evacuated at about 10:15 after gas was detected in the basement. Director Barb Brewer said there was a gas odor in the building.
There were a few people in the library at the time of the evacuation, including some children who were there for story time. Children's Librarian Kris Ault said parents took their children home. Two children were take to the Stage building across the street until their parents came for them.
Brewer said she expected the library to open this afternoon, but didn't have a specific time.
The Monroe Police Department closed off 15th Avenue at 9th Street and 10th Street and closed 11th Street at 14th Avenue. Police opened up 11th Street at about 11:30 a.m.
WE Energies also responded to the scene. Heins said WE Energies checked for gas leaks around the area and in manholes.
All of the buildings evacuated because of the gas leak, with the exception of the library, were opened by 2 p.m., Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said.
The library was reopened at about 3:15 p.m. Monday.
Monroe Deputy Fire Chief Lane Heins said a back hoe owned by E&N Hughes was digging up the ally to replace a storm sewer as part of the Streetscape program when it hit a gas line. There was a second leak in almost the same place as the first leak, Heins said, due to a back fill of gas in the line.
The library was evacuated at about 10:15 after gas was detected in the basement. Director Barb Brewer said there was a gas odor in the building.
There were a few people in the library at the time of the evacuation, including some children who were there for story time. Children's Librarian Kris Ault said parents took their children home. Two children were take to the Stage building across the street until their parents came for them.
Brewer said she expected the library to open this afternoon, but didn't have a specific time.
The Monroe Police Department closed off 15th Avenue at 9th Street and 10th Street and closed 11th Street at 14th Avenue. Police opened up 11th Street at about 11:30 a.m.
WE Energies also responded to the scene. Heins said WE Energies checked for gas leaks around the area and in manholes.