Several downtown businesses were forced to close early Friday afternoon due to a gas leak.
First responders shut down and evacuated at least one city block surrounding The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main Street. Businesses and streets between Main and Water streets, west to east, and Madison and Jefferson streets, north to south, were closed for at least a few hours.
A contractor working to repair a collapsed sewer line hit a main gas line accidentally. Utility workers were called to disconnect the gas line and power. Gas was shut off about 2:45 p.m., said Matt Culp, Franklin fire chief.
Gas was shut off from Shale Creek Brewing, 178 W. Jefferson Street, to Water Street, and north to RFD Franklin, 55 W. Madison Street, Culp said.
There is no risk to the public. People can reenter buildings and businesses are allowed to reopen, albeit without gas, he said.
A 2 p.m. showing of “Glory” at the Artcraft was postponed, according to the theatre’s Facebook page. All tickets for the Friday afternoon show will be honored any other time this weekend, or a refund will be available, the post said. Shows are also scheduled at 7:30 p.m., and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Other businesses along Madison, Main and Jefferson were also forced to close, including Wild Geese Bookshop, Keller Williams Hometown Real Estate, Brick Street Boutique, The Willard and Norma Jean’s Pastries.
“My shop and all of the shops on my street are closed,” the bakery posted on Facebook. “If you have orders that need picked up today, I do apologize … thoroughly. I had to leave immediately, so I couldn’t grab the orders and call customers.”
Main Street will remain closed between Jefferson and Madison streets while utility crews work to repair the line. Gas is expected to be restored to the area by 8 p.m., Culp said.
