UPDATE: New Circle Road reopens following gas leak

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The afternoon commute in Lexington came to a standstill on a stretch of New Circle Road due to a natural gas leak, according to city officials.

All lanes in both directions of New Circle Road were closed late Tuesday afternoon between Industry Road and Floyd Drive, which led to a huge traffic backup in the area, according to the city.

The inner loop traffic was diverted to Floyd Drive while the outer look traffic was diverted to Industry Road, according to the city.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area until further notice.

All lanes of New Circle Road in both directions reopened at 5:47 p.m., according to the city.

Details surrounding the gas leak were not released.