About 250 people remain without natural gas service in Albert Lea after crews hit a gas line Wednesday morning.

Alliant Energy spokesman Justin Foss said Alliant Energy crews are working to restore natural gas service to homes near the area of Front Street and North Lincoln Avenue after road contractors dug through a 4-inch gas main.

Residents of a dozen homes were evacuated after the incident and were allowed to return to their homes just before 8:40 a.m. At that time, the gas line was capped; however, natural gas service — which could also affect hot water and furnaces — has not been restored.

“This is a pretty big hit,” Foss said.

He noted that Alliant Energy crews have to shut off service manually outside each home affected, repair the line, turn on the service at the meter and then go inside each home to re-light pilot lights.

“We’ll be knocking on their doors and working and waiting for them to come home,” he said.

Foss used the incident to remind people — whether homeowner or contractor — to call 811 before they dig.

“Even if you’re digging a few inches in the ground, you don’t always know what’s underground,” he said.