Gas Leak Snarls Traffic Near Coventry's Centre Of New England

COVENTRY, RI — A gas leak cut off access to the Centre of New England shopping center Monday morning and caused serious traffic delays in the area.

Police first reported traffic issues around 7:45 a.m., saying traffic was delayed due to a possible gas leak in the area of Centre of New England Boulevard and New London Turnpike.

The gas leak was confirmed by 9 a.m. According to police, all traffic, was blocked heading into the plaza, though a single lane was open to let traffic out through the Wendy's parking lot. Outside the plaza, traffic was "very limited" on New London Turnpike, police said, asking drivers to avoid the area if possible. The backups are expected to continue for several hours as crews work to address the gas leak.