1043 hours. The Smithtown Fire Department was dispatched to a reported gas leak in the construction area of Route 347, west of Terry Road. Units arrived to find that the operator of a backhoe had severed a two inch natural gas line on the North side of the road at the intersection with Helen Avenue. Mutual aid was requested from Nesconset FD for an engine and manpower to the scene and from Kings Park FD to send an engine to cover at Smithtown FD HQ. The area and surrounding houses were evacuated, traffic was shut down in both directions and PSEG was requested on a rush. Once PSEG arrived, the gas was shut down, using a buried valve on the South side of the street. FD personnel confirmed that the surrounding houses were clear of gas and are area was reopened just before 1300 hours.