Most of the streets closed downtown following a steam pipe rupture last Thursday could reopen soon. Officials are waiting for surface sample tests to rule out asbestos as a health risk.
Dan Dennis is general manager for Trigen-St. Louis Energy Corporation, which operates downtown’s network of underground steam pipes. He says most of the clean-up is finished and residents and business owners should have parking access again soon.
“Provided the tests come back negative, which is good, we would open up Lucas Avenue almost all the way to Tucker," Dennis said. "We’ve got a little bit more clean up, but at least the Lucas Lofts and all could have [parking] access.”
Dennis says inspectors Monday discovered a ten-inch tear on the weld of two pipes insulated with asbestos. The test results are expected within the next day. Until the surface tests are concluded, he says Lucas Ave. between 11th St. and Tucker and 11th St. between Washington Blvd. and Convention Plaza Drive will remained closed.