Campbell gas leak creates traffic mess during evening commute

CAMPBELL, Calif. (KGO) -- There were major traffic issues in Campbell this evening because of a gas leak. A construction crew hit a two inch gas line Thursday afternoon on Camden Avenue, near Highway 17.

Traffic is being let through on both sides of Camden Avenue, a huge relief for drivers who were trying to make it home. Crews are continuing Thursday night to make those repairs.

The leak was first reported just before 1 p.m. Campbell police say PG&E crews arrived pretty fast, but it look them about an hour and a half to pin-point the exact location of the leak. Because of this, two businesses in the area had to be evacuated, including a fast-food restaurant, as well as a gas station. Police say traffic was backed up for several hours.

"Significant traffic problem for us. We put it out on social media. We also did a sig alert, and that's why we tried to get this roadway opened up as fast as we could," said Campbell Capt. Joe Cefalu.

"Right in the middle of rush hour, that's why I'm on a bike, haha," said Sam Rushing. "Was curious to see what was going on, and came down here on a bike, I knew better than to get in a car, so."

Police had to close off a stretch of Camden Avenue between South Bascom and the entrances to Highway 17 for about four hours. On the other side of the highway, the back-up extended down to the San Tomas Expressway.

PG&E crews will be making repairs to the line for the next several hours and a PG&E investigator on the scene trying to determine why that gas line was hit, considering that it was clearly marked.