Merrimack Valley Explosions: Information On Gas Restoration

NORTH ANDOVER, MA -- More than 500 utility workers were in North Andover Monday morning to begin the process of restoring gas service to Columbia Gas customers. Workers were also in Andover and Lawrence to begin the laborious, house-by-house process of turning on gas lines that were turned off after explosions rocked all three communities Thursday afternoon. In the worst-case scenario outlined by officials over the weekend, that process could take weeks.

On Monday, the Merrimack Valley YMCA said gas service had been restored at the Andover/North Andover YMCA at 165 Haverhill Street in Andover and that the facility would be open to residents of both communities "for hot showers or just to workout." You do not need to be a member.

In Andover and North Andover, officials said gas restoration would begin in unaffected areas before utilities moved onto affected areas. Residents who are not home are being asked to leave their cellphone numbers taped to the door so utility workers can get in touch with them.

"We have been informed by (Columbia Gas parent company) NiSource that these crews will work continuously until the work is done and all customers have service restored in the unaffected areas," Andover Police Chief Michael Mansfield said. "We have been informed that this work is expected to be completed by midnight tonight."

Officials reiterated warnings Monday that residents should not attempt to turn their gas back on and that restoration of gas service to all affected customers could take some time. Eversource outlined the procedures its following to restore service on its Website.

You can call Columbia Gas at 800-525-8222 to ask them to restore service to your house. You can also call that number to schedule a safety check of your home if you have concerns.

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Columbia Gas workers escorted by an Andover police officer and a fire fighter go door-to-door in Andover on Friday. Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).