Gas leak on Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville closes part of road

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV)- PG&E is in the area of Freedom Boulevard from Alta Vista Street to Clifford Avenue after reports of a gas leak Wednesday morning.

There are hard closures impacting traffic but no immediate danger to the public. According to the City of Watsonville, all affected homes and businesses have been evacuated.

PG&E said the leak happened shortly after 10:30 a.m. when a third-party contractor hit a gas line while working on the 1500 block of Freedom Boulevard. Gas was shut off at around 2:28 p.m., and repairs are expected to be done Wednesday evening.

There is no word as to when the road will be open. It is recommended to use an alternate route.

"This incident serves as an important reminder to always call 811, a free service, before digging to have the location of underground lines marked to avoid accidental strikes," said a PG&E spokesperson.