Hwy. 111 reopens after gas leak closure

A natural gas leak forced police to shut down two lanes of southbound traffic on Hwy. 111 in Palm Desert Monday morning.

It was reported just before 11 a.m.

Authorities closed the lanes from Painters Path to Fred Waring Drive while utility crews addressed the leak. Hwy. 111 was back open shortly after 1 p.m.

All of the businesses in the area remained open during the gas leak and there was no threat to the community, according to police.

Officials said the gas leak originated from construction damage.