Mount Vernon Road SE traffic back to normal after gas leak

UPDATE: Traffic was limited on Mount Vernon Road SE this morning after a construction crew hit a four-inch gas line.

Firefighters responded around 7:40 a.m. to the corner of Mount Vernon Road and East Post Road SE. Several MidAmerican Energy vehicles also responded, and the odor of natural gas was strong in the area.

Eastbound traffic was shut down for about 90 minutes, from 42nd Street to an area east of East Post Road SE.

Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said the construction crew was burying fiber optic cables. He said no evacuations were necessary.

As crews were leaving the scene around 9 a.m., another strong natural gas odor was reported near First Avenue East and 15th Street. First Avenue East was completely blocked for about 10 minutes. No leak was detected in the area and the odor eventually dissipated.