Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media
Gas line struck

Update: RCMP dispatched after irate motorists fume over Keith Wilson being closed; road has now reopened

May 14, 2024 | 9:39 AM

**Update at 9:55 p.m.: Keith Wilson Road has reopened at the Tyson Road roundabout.**

**Update at 5:30 p.m.: Keith Wilson Road remains closed due to a “gas emergency,” according to a sign posted at the Keith Wilson Road/Tyson Road roundabout.

**Update at 12:42 p.m. Tuesday: Keith Wilson Road east of the Tyson Road roundabout could be closed through to 5 p.m. today due to the gas line being struck.**

CHILLIWACK — Keith Wilson Road was closed west of Garrison Tuesday morning after an excavator reportedly struck a gas line, prompting two engines from the Chilliwack Fire Department to respond to the scene.

According to a tip provided by Chilliwack resident Julie Hiscock, firefighters were called to the area of 45140 Keith Wilson Road at 9:12 a.m. Tuesday morning after a gas line was struck. Dispatch transmission indicated there was a strong smell of gas in the area.

A traffic control flagger was stationed at the Keith Wilson Road and Tyson Road roundabout, directing traffic away from Garrison. Motorists had been redirected onto northbound Tyson Road in order to access the Garrison area and Vedder Road corridor.

Two fire engines were positioned on Keith Wilson Road so as to block all incoming vehicles east of 45140 Keith Wilson Road.

However, tempers began to flare among motorists. Chilliwack RCMP were dispatched to the scene around 10:30 a.m. because some drivers were frustrated with Chilliwack firefighters over the road closure.

Chilliwack RCMP arrived on scene at approximately 10:40 a.m.

Keith Wilson Road remained closed as of 11:28 a.m. Motorists had been continually giving Chilliwack firefighters a difficult time for the road closure, including one confrontation with fire personnel that led to police being called.