Crews work to install a generator to support traffic lights at Broadway and California Avenue in Burlingame on Thursday following a power outage that closed off the main thoroughfare.
Just as progress was being made regarding the power outage and hazardous material cleanup in Burlingame, the Broadway and California Drive intersection was closed again Monday evening as emergency officials continue to address the leaking petroleum problem.
Pacific Gas and Electric was slated to finish up its work to seal off electric vaults and drain any leaked petroleum product, when additional leaking gasoline was identified in underground vaults belonging to other companies, throwing another wrench in a quickly evolving emergency in Burlingame.
The leaked gasoline is still being tested to determine its original source, and how old it may be. To properly address the situation, and remain completely vigilant, city officials and other agencies involved felt closing down the roads was the safest response.
“Keeping pedestrians and drivers off that road is the safest thing we can do right now,” City Manager Lisa Goldman said.
Drivers coming off the highway were being redirected onto Carolan Avenue instead of being able to cross the tracks. Those heading eastbound on Broadway were being detoured on southbound Chula Vista Avenue.
Monday afternoon, PG&E was getting ready to shut off the generators and switch businesses along Broadway back to regular power, but with the identified additional hazardous material, the utility was hesitant to move forward just yet, Goldman said.
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After PG&E investigated a power outage at the Broadway and California Drive intersection last week, gasoline was found in the underground utility vault. The fault was sealed off Monday afternoon, and PG&E intended to install a new transformer to allow businesses along Broadway to wean off over 25 generators, according to the company.
Road closures have frustrated residents and conflated driving flow problems caused by a concurrent El Camino Real tree removal and pavement improvement project underway, but Goldman said it’s necessary for public safety.
“It’s super inconvenient, but it’s about public safety,” Goldman said. “We don’t want anything major … so we’re doing extra due diligence to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
The city of Burlingame, the Burlingame Fire Department, San Mateo County Hazmat and PG&E are working quickly to resolve the situation, Goldman said.
“We’re all hands on deck working through it as quickly and carefully,” Goldman said.
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