Damaged gas line forces closure of busy New Westminster intersection
A busy New Westminster intersection is expected to be closed for several hours due to a gas line rupture, according to the New Westminster Police Department.
6th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue is expected to be closed for several hours while crews investigate and respond to the situation.
In the meantime, New West Police are asking folks to avoid the area while repairs are underway.
- You might also like:
- Eight residential towers for over 7,000 residents approved to replace New Westminster strip mall
- Train derailment closes major road in New Westminster
- Vancouver makes list of world's worst cities for traffic
We’ve asked the New West Police Department what caused the rupture. There has been ongoing construction on 6th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue for a few weeks now.
Google Maps
The intersection is close to many businesses, including fast food establishments like McDonald’s and Subway, a Vancity bank, and a Planet Fitness gym. There’s also London Drugs in the same complex, and Kozak Ukrainian Bakery is nearby.
Officers thank residents and motorists for their patience and will release an update once 6th Street has reopened.
6th Street is closed between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue due to a gas line rupture. Crews are on scene and we’re asking people to avoid the area while repairs are underway. https://t.co/cXGh2cdpDj #NewWest pic.twitter.com/ncfbkd7pVS
— New Westminster Police Department (@NewWestPD) March 26, 2025
Update:
FortisBC informed Daily Hive that it wasn’t a rupture but external damage that caused gas to escape the line.
“Our crews had gas under control as of 11:15 a.m. and expect to complete repairs by 2:30 p.m. this afternoon. The fire and police closed one block of 6th Street, between Belmont and 6th Avenues; it is now reopened to single-lane traffic. Local businesses that were asked to keep their windows closed can operate as usual,” FortisBC added.
FortisBC adds that there’s still one gas meter without service, which is impacting two commercial businesses.
“These will be restored as soon as our crews complete the repairs.”