North-side drivers got an unwelcome surprise Wednesday afternoon when a ruptured natural gas line shut down the north leg of Interstate 465 near U.S. 31 in Carmel, sending traffic creeping for miles and dumping frustrated motorists onto already busy surface streets. People in the area reported a strong smell of gas as emergency crews shut down ramps and set up repair operations along the north side of the beltway. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the corridor while crews worked to isolate and fix the break.
Carmel police and fire crews responded after an auger reportedly struck a buried gas main during construction, forcing all eastbound and westbound lanes to close and pushing westbound drivers off at U.S. 31, according to FOX59. Fire officials told the station the gas flow was being shut off and said there was no danger to people who noticed the odor, although residents in nearby neighborhoods still reported a noticeable smell. EMS and traffic officials warned delays could stretch for at least a couple of hours while…..