A GAS pipeline was ruptured by road workers on Tydeman Road, North Fremantle early this morning causing major traffic delays into Fremantle port. Tydeman Road was closed from 2.30am after the workers drilled into an ATCO gas pipeline.

Fremantle Ports spokesperson Ainslie De Vos said a contractor working for the authority was responsible but she wouldn’t name them. The road was closed to all traffic for several hours causing major disruptions into and out of the port and into Fremantle, with traffic banking up to Salvado Street in Cottesloe.

Many took refuge in Salt on the Beach at Port Beach, however without any gas the restaurant was limited in what it could offer them. Fremantle council worker Joe Marchesani was struggling to sweep sand piled up in Salt’s car park after recent storms because of the sudden rush of customers. “It’s disgusting that there is only one road into the port,” Mr Marchesani said.

The two west-bound lanes on Tydeman Road have been re-opened, but only one lane in the opposite direction. Ms De Vos told The Herald there had been delays at the port but the cost has yet to be determined.

by JESSICA ZOE ALLEN