Firefighters are working to evacuate the area as a precaution after the gas leak was reported shortly after 8 a.m. at a construction site.
Crews shut down the area surrounding First Avenue and Cherry Street near Pioneer Square for nearly three hours Friday while responding to a reported natural-gas leak, causing traffic delays during the morning commute.
The area between Columbia Street and Yesler Terrace and First and Second avenues was closed as a precaution after the gas leak was reported shortly after 8 a.m. at a construction site, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
Firefighters secured the gas line, but the area remained blocked while crews ensured that there was a safe level of gas in the area, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
The streets reopened around 10:45 a.m.