High-pressure gas release closes Ellsworth and State in Washtenaw County; dte crews work to repair line
A high-pressure natural gas release on Thursday evening forced the closure of the roundabout at West Ellsworth Road and South State Street on the Ann Arbor–Pittsfield Township border and prompted an emergency alert for nearby residents and campus community members. Emergency crews sealed off the area while repair teams worked to stop the leak; authorities said there were no injuries but several vehicles suffered damage.
Timeline of the incident
The situation unfolded Thursday, Feb. 12. An alert was issued at 5: 35 p. m. ET urging people to avoid the intersection after construction activity struck an underground gas line. Initial accounts described what sounded like an explosion; investigators later classified the event as a high-pressure release that produced a loud noise and sent mud spraying from the ground. Officials confirmed activity on the scene shortly before 5: 42 p. m. ET and maintained an active response through the evening.
dte crews respond; leak contained
dte repair crews and local emergency personnel arrived quickly after the strike. Repair teams were able to isolate and stop the leak, and worked through the night to secure the damaged infrastructure. Authorities said the gas was not shut off to nearby homes and that an odor was noticeable in the area. By late evening, crews expected to have the line repaired and the roadway cleared, though officials kept the closure in place until safety checks were complete.
Damage, evacuations and public-safety actions
There were no injuries to residents, drivers or emergency personnel. Several parked vehicles near the roundabout sustained property damage from debris and displaced soil. Police and fire units established a perimeter and diverted traffic away from the intersection. Nearby public spaces, including a township playground and small commercial properties, were monitored while crews completed assessments. People in the immediate area were urged to avoid the scene and follow directions from emergency personnel.
University alert and community guidance
The university’s public-safety department issued an emergency alert just after 5: 30 p. m. ET advising students, staff and the public to steer clear of the intersection until authorities gave the all-clear. Responders warned residents not to attempt to investigate the smell of gas or approach work zones; motorists were asked to use alternate routes. Officials emphasized that ongoing monitoring would determine when it was safe to reopen the roundabout.
What officials say about the cause and next steps
Preliminary information indicates a third-party construction crew struck an underground gas main while working in the area. Investigators will review worksite procedures, notification practices and damage prevention measures as part of a follow-up investigation. Repair crews focused on restoring the line and making the site safe; cleanup and inspections were expected to continue into the following day. Local authorities reminded contractors and residents to call the designated emergency number immediately if they suspect a gas leak.
Motorists and pedestrians should continue to avoid West Ellsworth Road and South State Street until officials reopen the route. Any changes to traffic patterns or safety advisories will be announced by emergency officials as the repair and inspection work concludes.
