Lafayette Reopens After Gas Leak

UPDATE: 4:50 p.m. - All lanes of Lafayette Boulevard have been reopened and traffic is flowing smoothly. According to an employee of Columbia Natural Gas at the scene of the incident, the leak was caused when contractors demolishing a house at 1801 Lafayette Boulevard tore down a section of the house and ruptured a gas line. The contractors had secured the necessary demolition permits, but had neglected to contact Columbia Natural Gas to have service shut off at the location. Once ruptured, the gas vented into the atmosphere beneath a pile of rubble. The line was shut off at the street, and the threat literally dissipated into the atmosphere. 

According to Fredericksburg Police spokersperson Natatia Bledsoe, the leak was secured around 4:20 p.m. 

Original article below.

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All lanes of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lakes Drive to Braehead have been closed due to a gas line rupture in the area. A representative from the gas company  tells police that the road will be closed for about an hour. 

In the meantime, traffic is being routed to Route 1 via Twin Lakes Drive and Wilderness Lane.

According to police, the rupture is related to the demolition of a structure in the 1900 block of Lafayette drive.

The incident has not caused any injuries. Fire and rescue units are monitoring the situation and have set up a permitter around the leak. The gas is dissipating into the atmosphere, according to fire officials.

This is a developing story. Check back for additional details as they become available.