Ruptured Gas Line Causes Closure of Newport Road

Update at 11 p.m.: The gas line is repaired and traffic has been moving both ways for some time tonight. Construction crews are back at work on the Newport Road widening project.

Newport Road between Menifee Road and Antelope Road has been closed since about 3:30 p.m. today because of a ruptured gas line in the construction area during the road widening project.

The area of the break, near Westlink Road and Newport by the lake and golf course, was blocked off. A loud hissing sound could be heard and gas fumes were making some in the area sick. Cal Fire officials ordered residents within a quarter-mile of Antelope Road and Menifee Road to stay indoors initially, but the stay-in-shelter order was lifted about 5:30 p.m.

According to Cal Fire, eastbound lanes of Newport Road will be reopened soon, but westbound lanes will remain closed for at least two hours while repairs are completed. Residents are warned not to smoke in the area.

No further details have been given. Check back for updates. Officials advise residents to take care on surrounding surface streets while drivers detour around the area.