127th Street Reopened Following Oil Leak Near Lemont CITGO Refinery

A portion of of 127th Street in Lemont was reopened Thursday morning after an oil leak near the CITGO Refinery forced authorities to shut down the road for nearly two days.

The leak started Monday, when a contractor hired to do work for AT&T struck a liquid hydrocarbon line near 127th Street and High Road, a spokesperson for the company said.

Authorities shut down 127th Street between New Avenue and Smith Road on Tuesday to allow crews to fix the pipeline.

“Although an underground utility survey was conducted prior to initiating this project, this particular pipeline was not identified,” AT&T spokesperson Mollie West told Sun-Times Media. “Thankfully, no injuries were reported. AT&T service in the Lemont area was not affected. We apologize for any inconvenience to motorists and residents of Lemont.”

Chief George Rimbo of the Lemont Fire Protection District confirmed the leak, but said it was handled by CITGO's fire department. Calls to CITGO were not immediately returned.