Outbound lanes of Liberty Avenue to remain closed as crews repair leaking underground cable

PITTSBURGH — The outbound lanes of Liberty Avenue remain closed as Duquesne Light crews repair a leaking underground cable.

Duquesne Light says crews have isolated the source of the leak in the underground transmission cable that spans from Brunot Island to the Strip District.

Duquesne Light confirmed the location of the leak on Liberty Avenue between 26th and 27th streets. Temporary repairs have been made to stop the leak. With no additional fluid escaping the cable, DLC expects the current freeze process to be complete Wednesday, after which they’ll begin making permanent repairs.

A second “freeze” location will be staged within a block of the leak location and will not have any additional impacts on traffic.

DLC says they learned of the leak last week. They say the leak is of a non-toxic clear liquid used to cool down and insulate underground cables. The leaking liquid, known as a dielectric fluid, is non-toxic to humans but, in large quantities, can impact aquatic life. It is non-flammable and non-combustible, DLC says.

It’s estimated that 47,000 gallons escaped.

The company is using a vacuum truck to remove fluid as it leaks.

River boats have been patrolling the river, looking for signs of the fluid, which would produce a glossy-like sheen on the water.

Any fluid that has entered the waterways is being collected by booms, Duquesne Light said. There are six booms on the south bank of the Allegheny River around the Strip District, and six along the Ohio River near the Chateau neighborhood.

The public is encouraged to report any signs of a clear yet frothy-like substance on the rivers or nearby waterways to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

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