UPDATE (1:30PM) -- Charlotte County Fire & EMS say that the leak is under control, and the road is expected to reopen by 2 p.m.
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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- A construction accident that resulted in a gas leak has shut down both north and southbound lanes of U.S. 41 in a section of Charlotte County.
Charlotte County officials are urging drivers to avoid the area between West Tarpon Boulevard and Port Charlotte Boulevard, where crews have shut down 41 in both directions to keep drivers safe.
According to Charlotte County Fire & EMS, it appears a piece of construction equipment struck the gas line around 11:30 a.m., causing the leak.
It could take a few hours to resume normal traffic in the area.
