I-94 Reopens After Gas Leak Forced Hundreds to Evacuate in Minneapolis

Update: CenterPoint Energy officials said the Lowry Hill neighborhood is now safe following a gas leak that forced hundreds to evacuate the area Thursday afternoon.

Police said the leak was near the Walker Art Center, and warned residents to avoid the neighborhood.

Both directions of Interstate 94 were then shut down, as well as the eastbound lanes on Interstate 394 and westbound lanes of Interstate 35W.

The main, about 16 inches in diameter, is a major supplier of gas to the area near downtown Minneapolis.

Motorists described a heavy smell of gas in the Lowry Tunnel before I-94 was shut down.

Police said it was not safe to drive through the fumes because vehicles could trigger an explosion. People were also told not to use their cellphones in the area because sparks could ignite the gas.

When the leak was reported, CenterPoint Energy immediately began work on fixing it, as Minneapolis police, fire, and the state patrol came on scene.

I-94 was closed for more than an hour before officials gave the all-clear.

Image via Minnesota Department of Transportation