Sherbrook Street reopening delayed by gas line discovery

The discovery of an abandoned gas line is delaying the reopening of a section of Sherbrook Street that has been closed since a retaining wall partially collapsed last week.

Crews have been restoring a section of foundation shoring that gave way at the construction site of the new women's hospital on March 21.

While restoring the wall, workers discovered the abandoned gas line, which must be removed, according to officials with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The task of removing the line is pushing back the reopening of Sherbrook Street between Elgin and William avenues, which has been closed for the past week.

The street was supposed to reopen on Tuesday, but officials say they now expect two lanes to be opened up by the end of this week.

The permanent repair of the two other lanes, which were damaged by the collapsed shoring, will take more time.

Contractors associated with the hospital project have described the collapse as a rare occurrence that may have been caused by heavy rainfall. It remains under investigation.