UPDATE (12:15PM) -- Charlotte County Public Works says all northbound travel lanes and one southbound lane of Kings Highway are open. Drivers are still urged to use caution in the area.
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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - A gas leak has caused a shut down of Kings Highway in both directions from Suncoast Boulevard to Peachland Boulevard.
HAZMAT crews are on the scene investigating along with Charlotte County Sheriff deputies.
According to Charlotte County Fire & EMS, construction crews struck a 4-inch TECO gas line with a backhoe and ruptured it. First responders were able to quickly clamp the leak.
No evacuations were made.
Traffic is being re-routed. Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area until about 11 am.
