Part of a highway was shut down Wednesday because of a gas leak.

CenterPoint Energy officials said a 6-inch natural gas line was ruptured during excavation work on state Highway 146 near Red Bluff in Seabrook about 12:15 p.m.

Crews have been working to make permanent repairs, but the southbound lanes of state Highway 146 at Red Bluff had to be closed to traffic. The northbound lanes are open.

Officials said the closure was expected to last through the evening rush hour.