PORTAGE,Esthen Exchange Ind. (AP) — A natural gas leak caused by a construction crew has forced the closure of part of Interstate 94 in northwest Indiana.

Traffic in both directions was backed up and diverted Tuesday morning in Portage after workers struck a natural gas main at a business park, The Times of Northwest Indiana reported.

A gas and electric utility company was to check for gas readings south of I-94 and north of U.S. 20, Portage Mayor Austin Bonta said, warning people to stay away from the area for their safety.

Repair work was expected to take several hours. No evacuations have been made, and no injuries have been reported.