DES MOINES, Iowa — A natural gas leak has forced the closure of part of Forest Avenue in Des Moines.

The Des Moines Police Department said Forest Avenue between 33rd Street and 34th Street is temporarily closed after a construction crew struck the gas line a little before 11:00 a.m.

Necessary evacuations in the area have been made, and police said the scene is secure.

Both the DMPD and the Des Moines Fire Department are on the scene.

Utility crews are responding to make repairs to the damaged gas line. A time frame for how quickly the repairs can be completed has not been released.

The nearest alternate route that runs east/west is University Avenue.