3rd Party Excavation Caused Fairfax City Leak: Washington Gas

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A gas leak that forced he closure of all westbound lanes on Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City from Lion Run to Draper Drive shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday was caused by "a third-party excavation, according to a Washington Gas spokesman.

"Washington Gas crews are responding to a damaged service line in the 9800 block of Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax," said David Loewenberg, an external communication specialist with Washington Gas. "As of 2:05 p.m., gas service has been safely shut off and repair work is underway. Preliminary information suggests the damage was caused by third‑party excavation."

A Fairfax City spokesman confirmed that a work crew from Kilos Construction damaged the gas line.

"As a reminder, residents and contractors should always call 811 before digging to have underground utility lines properly marked," Loewenberg said.

At first, traffic heading east on Fairfax Boulevard was directed to a single lane and police had closed the center eastbound lane. However, around 1:20 p.m., police reopened the center lane in order to divert westbound traffic.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel were on the scene, as well as city police. A heavy gas smell permeated the air in front of the Anchorage Inn.

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.