Interstate 94 in Minneapolis Reopens After Gas Pipe Break

MINNEAPOLIS -- Authorities say Interstate 94 at the Lowry Hill Tunnel in downtown Minneapolis has reopened after it was closed due to a broken gas main.

Minneapolis police and fire officials say Centerpoint Energy declared the area safe around 2 p.m., so I-94 and nearby city streets have been reopened.

Officials say a crew apparently broke a 16-inch natural gas main around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Centerpoint spokeswoman Becca Virden says the gas supply was shut off shortly after 1 p.m.

The fire department says the Walker Art Center, a pedestrian bridge crossing Interstate 94, and surrounding buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

The closure backed up traffic for miles on the heavily-used freeway.

The Walker is closed until 5 p.m., when galleries will reopen and evening programs will run as scheduled.