8/15/13 6 am – Plank St is now open to traffic.  Access from 3A is no longer available.

8/14/13 10:05 pm – This afternoon a natural gas main ruptured on Plank St. near the intersection of Middlesex Tpk in Bedford. The fire caused extensive damage to the area, including the power lines above the street.  Plank St. is closed at this time and is expected to be closed for the morning commute.

Because Plank St is the entrance and exit to the industrial park, the Town of Billerica has accommodated access to the park off of Route 3A (Boston Rd). A detour is marked on 3A at Riverbank Terrace and Whitefield Av where a fire gate has been opened to allow vehicles to pass through to the industrial park via Dunham Rd.  Since this is a residential neigborhood we have positioned Officers in that area to ensure the safety of residents and to direct traffic.

Utility crews are on site and will be working through the night. As there are changes to the situation we will post updates.