CTA Red, Orange, Green and Purple Line service resumes after South Loop gas leak

CHICAGO (WLS) -- CTA service has resumed on the Red, Green, Orange and Purple Lines after a gas leak in the South Loop severely affected travel through the area for a time during the afternoon rush. Commuters should expect residual delays.

State Street was closed at 8th Street on the north and 12th Street on south and reopened shortly after 6:30 p.m.

A Level 2 hazmat was called at 9th and State after construction workers a ruptured four-inch gas line. Chicago Fire Department officials say a private construction crew struck was digging into a sidewalk alongside a building that's under construction. They struck the four-inch medium pressure gas line that, according to People's Gas, was marked with yellow paint. People's Gas was able to stop the gas leak and full repairs are underway.

Because of the large amount of gas escaping, coupled with nearby L tracks and the potential for sparks from trains to ignite it, officials decided to suspend service on multiple CTA lines.

CTA Red, Orange and Green line trains all stopped service in the Loop. Red Line service was suspended between Fullerton and Cermak-Chinatown, while Orange and Green Line trains turned back before reaching the Loop. The fire department gave the all-clear shortly before 5 p.m.

The fire department remains on site to check some nearby buildings for any residual gas and run what they call a mobile ventilation unit.