GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Gas is back on at multiple restaurants that were closed Friday afternoon as crews worked to plug a gas leak at the Channel South construction site in downtown Gulfport.
At about 5:30 p.m., Half Shell Oyster House and Neighbors Tap and Table confirmed gas had returned, but Half Shell said it had to complete more tests before it would open to the public. Neighbors Tap and Table is once again open.
Earlier in the day, Half Shell Oyster House and Neighbors Tap and Table posted on social media that they were without gas and had to close temporarily. Neighbors Tap and Table later said it was opening its bar, but food options were limited.
Officials said there is no immediate danger to the surrounding area.
Fire Chief Billy Kelley said workers ruptured a large gas line with a piece of heavy equipment on Friday morning. Kelley said the gas smell lingered due to low clouds.
All workers evacuated the construction zone while the gas company worked to stop the leak. Delta Utilities began working to contain the leak earlier in the afternoon. Officials said the repair was expected to take several hours to complete.
Kelley said crews had to weld a valve shut before they could begin repairs. No one was hurt, he said.
Channel South, located at the corner of Highway 90 and Highway 49, will be Gulfport’s mixed-use town center. The development will include a Marriott Tribute Hotel, apartments, street-level dining, shopping and more.
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Dining and Cooking