Contractors preparing the foundation for a new traffic signal hit the gas line that caused a leak and an emergency response, according to a county public works official.
Construction work has been happening for weeks at Sunnyslope and Fairview roads as a developer does required intersection improvements that include installation of a new traffic signal.
Contractors on Thursday ruptured the line and contended they thought the gas line was much deeper than reality.
“It was a lot shallower than was anticipated,” said Arman Nazemi, assistant director of public works for San Benito County. “That’s why (it occurred). They thought it was going to be a lot deeper than that.”
The Beachwood Court area was evacuated Thursday morning after a Pacific Gas & Electric gas leak was discovered near Sunnyslope and Fairview roads. Police officers went door to door helping residents evacuate within a two-block radius of the area, according to a statement from the police department. Six homes were evacuated, according to PG&E. Two fire engines were also on scene, according to the fire chief.
The PG&E spokeswoman afterward reminded contractors, homeowners and anyone planning to dig a whole big or small is that they should call 811 so that appropriate utilities can come out and mark the underground lines.
Katie Helland contributed to this report.
