UPDATE: Gas Leak in Midtown Will Snarl Ponce Traffic Through Rush Hour

UPDATE (2:38 p.m.): An Official with Atlanta Fire Rescue has confirmed that a natural gas leak will shut down a portion of Ponce de Leon Avenue during rush hour.

According to Community Affairs Director Janet Ward, contractors working on road improvements on Ponce de Leon Avenue accidentally struck a two-inch natural gas pipeline somewhere between Ponce’s intersections with Boulevard and Glen Iris Drive. This section of the road has been blocked off by Atlanta Fire Rescue.

Ward said that crews from Atlanta Gas Light will need to replace the section of damaged pipe, but added she does not know how long that will take. Ward added that it seemed certain that the closure would persist through rush hour. Atlanta Fire Rescue is urging motorists to avoid the area.

If you must travel on Ponce in the affected area, North Avenue is being used as a detour. However, traffic is already backing up.

ORIGINAL STORY (2:26 p.m.): A section of a busy Midtown road has been shut down by Atlanta Fire Rescue following a gas leak or water main break, causing heavy delays in the area.

According to WSB-TV, a gas leak is in progress on Ponce de Leon Avenue between Boulevard and Glen Iris Drive. Atlanta Fire Rescue is urging motorists to avoid the area.

The Georgia Department of Transportation reports via Google Maps that the incident is not a gas leak, but a water main break. Patch is working to confirm the veracity of either report.

If you must travel on Ponce in the affected area, North Avenue is being used as a detour. However, traffic is already backing up.

Patch has reached out to Atlanta Fire Rescue for additional details on the incident, and will update this story as information comes in.