Gas Leak Closes Upper Manatee River Road Near Fort Hamer Before Reopening Friday Afternoon

A gas leak near the intersection of Upper Manatee River Road and Fort Hamer Road disrupted traffic Friday morning, forcing temporary road closures and detours before the area reopened later in the day.

The leak was reported near the intersection south of the Fort Hamer Bridge, prompting officials to close the affected section of roadway while utility crews worked to repair the problem.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area throughout much of the day. Southbound drivers were directed to use Golf Course Road and Rye Road as alternate routes, while northbound traffic was detoured via Third Avenue Northeast to Gates Creek Road or State Road 64 to Rye Road.

Crews remained on scene for several hours as repairs were completed. Officials initially estimated the roadway would reopen by about 8 p.m., but an update issued at 4:43 p.m. announced that Upper Manatee River Road and Fort Hamer Road had reopened to traffic.

Drivers were urged to continue using caution while traveling through the area as work concluded. No injuries were reported in connection with the gas leak.