Downtown Austin Gas Leak Prompts Library Evacuation, Streets Closure

AUSTIN, TX -- If you were planning on going to the Faulk Central Library this afternoon, don't: A gas leak has prompted the evacuation of the building, and the area around it has been blocked off.

Austin Fire Department officials urge people to avoid the entire section between Guadalupe and Nueces streets, between 9th and 10th streets, entirely.KXAN-TV reported the closures started late Saturday morning, prompting Texas Gas Service crews to work on a plan to shut off gas flow to a broken line at the downtown site.

The news station reported that a construction crew accidentally ruptured a gas line at 9th and San Antonio streets earlier, causing the leak. Austin police are at the scene to assist firefighters. There is no word as to when the section of roadway is expected to re-open.

The Faulk library at 800 Guadalupe St. is closed until further notice until emergency crews resolve the matter.