Gas leak forces evacuation of NU buildings

Twenty-one buildings at the north end of the Northwestern University campus were evacuated this afternoon after a contractor ruptured a two-inch gas line in the parking lot south of Patten Gym

Evanston police closed off Sheridan Road from Lincoln to Noyes streets after the break, which occured about 1:45 p.m.

Evanston firefighters used gas monitoring equipment to check the surrounding NU buildings and sewer system for gas readings and found that the levels were minimal.

The city also evacuated the city water plant at Lincoln and Sheridan of non-essential personnel as a precaution..

Nicor Gas workers have been on the scene since shortly before 3 p.m. and were still working to stop the leak as of 5 p.m., but were expected to have it under control shortly.

No injuries have been reported.

Update 7:30 p.m.: By shortly after 7 p.m. Nicor crews were still on the scene but Sheridan Road had been reopened to traffic and people were being allowed to return to the buildings that had been evacuated.