Update 6:30AM Wednesday – Johnston County officials have announced the intersection has reopened to traffic.
Update 4:32PM – The intersection of Highway 42 East and Buffalo Road is expected to be closed until 8:00AM Wednesday, according to Emergency Management officials.
Update 4:00PM – Piedmont Natural Gas is on the scene making repairs.
Update 2:21PM – Johnston County Schools says buses and car pool will be delayed for afternoon transportation at River Dell Elementary, Archer Lodge Middle and Corinth Holders High. Notifications are being sent to parents to make them aware. Buses will be taking alternate routes to avoid the closed intersection.
CLAYTON – At least two businesses have been evacuated and a busy Clayton area intersection closed following a gas leak. The leak was reported at 1:30PM today (Tuesday) by a state trooper at the intersection of Highway 42 East and Buffalo Road.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and have evacuated the nearby CVS Pharmacy and the Percy Flowers store. Crews say additional stores may be evacuated if the wind direction changes.
Due to the gas leak, the NC Department of Transportation has closed both directions of Highway 42 and Buffalo Road near the intersection. Detours are in place and heavy traffic delays are being reported.
The Thanksgiving and Archer Lodge Fire Departments, Johnston County EMS, Johnston County Emergency Management and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office have responded.
Officials say it could take some time before the leak is repaired. There is no immediate word on what caused the leak. No injuries have been reported.
If possible, avoid the area until the incident has been cleared.
Photos by John Payne
