Utility Pole Catches Fire, Causing Power Outages And Backing Up Traffic On Neville Island
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Traffic on Neville Island became a mess Wednesday morning after a utility pole caught fire. Crews said it could take hours to fix the pole and reopen the road.
According to Ohio Township Police, the pole caught fire near the intersection of Neville Road and Grand Avenue. Police were called in due to a possibility of the pole falling into the road and becoming a safety concern.
They blocked off parts of the road, only letting necessary traffic get by.
"We're trying to do our best to get the vehicles where they need to go but unfortunately everything is going to be delayed or denied access due to safety issues," Ohio Township Police Chief Joe Hanny said at the scene.
Duquesne Light crews were on scene working to put the fire out and repair the pole.
About 700 customers lost power.
According to Duquesne Light, about 700 customers lost power. Most should get it back by 10:30 a.m. @KDKA
— Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) September 2, 2020
So far, police and Duquesne Light say they are not sure how the fire started, but they're looking into it.
Cars and semi trucks quickly backed up after the incident.
Neville Road is one of the main arteries in the area and only necessary travel was allowed down the road to get to businesses. Chief Hanny said driving around Neville Island is already complicated by one of its bridges being closed.
"We have the Fleming Park Bridge shut down from across Stowe and McKees Rocks access and we have Neville Road shut down," Chief Hanny said.
According to the chief, the crews could be working on that pole for upwards of 12 hours. They will have officers in the area directing traffic during that time.
"Have patience, drive slowly and we'll try to get you where you're going," Chief Hanny advised drivers.
Stay up to date with the KDKA app, which you can download here.
