A portion of a major Joplin street was closed for several hours yesterday afternoon as crews repaired a major gas leak.

 The leak was reported around 3:45 p.m. and was caused when a construction contractor hit a gas line, near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Chris Lane.

 Connecticut Avenue was closed from 15th to 20th street out of precaution, as Joplin Fire, Public Works and Spire crews worked to fix the leak. Natural gas levels were checked in area homes, and one house was evacuated for a short time.

 No injuries were reported.