Homes have been evacuated after a major gas leak in Glasgow that has caused issues for motorway drivers. Police are currently responding to the incident on Inverewe Avenue in the city's Jenny Lind area.
The street is one of several that have been sealed off as gas engineers work to resolve the issue. Scottish Gas Network (SGN) has warned motorists of the road closure on Nitshill Road in both directions between Spiersbridge Roundabout.
As a result, junction three on the M77 is affected, with drivers unable to get onto the motorway from Nitshill Road, and vice versa. The road closures are expected to remain in place until Friday morning.
A picture taken from the scene showed Nitshill Road cordoned off by police on Thursday evening with fire crews in attendance. At around 9pm officers confirmed the road remained closed with motorists asked to find an alternative route.
One shocked eyewitness said: "The smell was terrible. I'm surprised there wasn't an explosion."
A statement from SGN read: "We're carrying out emergency repairs to our gas network in Nitshill Road, Glasgow, following third party damage to our gas main. For everyone's safety, Nitshill Road is being closed both ways between Spiersbridge Roundabout and the M77. Signed diversions will be in place for motorists.
"Motorists will still be able to access the M77 however, southbound motorists exiting the M77 at junction three will be unable to turn left onto Nitshill Road. Northbound motorists exiting at the junction won't be able to turn right onto Nitshill Road.
"We're carrying out our work as quickly and safely as possible and, all going well, hope to complete repairs and reopen Nitshill Road tomorrow [Friday, May 12] morning. Once the road is reopened, lane restrictions which are needed for ongoing Scottish Water works will be in place."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, May 11, 2023, we received a report of a gas leak in Inverewe Avenue, Glasgow. A number of properties have been evacuated as a precaution and a cordon has been put in place. Nearby roads have been closed."
In an update at 9pm the spokesperson added: "Nitshill Road in Glasgow remains closed in both directions due to a gas leak at Inverewe Avenue. SGN engineers are currently on the scene. Motorists are asked to find an alternative route."
Traffic Scotland posted on Twitter: "There is currently NO EXIT in both directions at Junction 3 due to damage on the gas network. TakeCare on approach and use #AltRoute if possible".
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