Georgetown Gas Leak Forces Evacuation, Road Closures

GEORGETOWN, Texas — A gas leak caused by a damaged pipeline near downtown Georgetown prompted evacuations and road closures Wednesday morning, with authorities lifting the evacuation order by late afternoon.

The incident began around 9:45 a.m. when a construction crew working at the intersection of South Main Street and University Avenue accidentally struck a natural gas pipeline, according to Atmos Energy, the gas provider. By 10:20 a.m., Georgetown police closed roads between Austin Avenue and Church Street, later extending the closure to Forest Street.

The Georgetown Fire Department issued a precautionary evacuation order at 11:35 a.m., affecting nearly 400 buildings between 10th and 16th streets and from Scenic Drive to Church Street. The evacuation was lifted just after 5 p.m., though road closures remained in effect.

Atmos Energy crews isolated and stopped the four-inch gas leak, but repairs continued as workers dug deeper to fully secure the damaged pipe. “While the evacuation was lifted, the gas leak is still being repaired,” a Georgetown Fire Department spokesperson said.

No injuries or further complications were reported. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious and follow updates as repairs progressed.