Gas leak secured, Route 61 northbound open

Traffic is moving partially on Route 61 north of St. Clair after it was closed all day due to a gas leak.

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Route 61 north of St. Clair was closed in both directions due to a gas leak.

The call came in just before 8 a.m. for a report of a gas leak in the construction area. UGI is said to have already been on site.

Emergency crews arrived on scene and said Route 61 would be closed southbound at the Darkwater Road intersection and northbound at the former Schuylkill Mall exit.

Route 61 remained closed in both directions throughout the day. The gas leak also closed all stores at the Coal Creek Commerce Center throughout the day.

An update shortly after 4 p.m. from John W. Blickley, director of the Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management: The leak has been contained and northbound Route 61 has reopened. Southbound travel remains closed.