Gas leak closes downtown Forest Grove streets near Pacific University

Update: Just before noon, the gas leak was halted, FGF&R said. A natural gas leak at a construction site on College Way closed several streets in downtown Forest Grove on Wednesday morning and prompted agencies to ask some Pacific University buildings to evacuate or shelter in place. Crews from NW Natural, the Forest Grove Police Department, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue and AMR responded. Police closed roads at College Way and Main Street, University Avenue and Main Street, and University Avenue and Sunset Drive, and were letting people out of the area. "Hopefully they can get it squared away pretty quick and get it shut off," Forest Grove Police Chief David Marzilli said. The leak was in the middle of the block on College Way between 21st Avenue and University Avenue, said Matt Johnston, a Forest Grove Fire & Rescue spokesperson. One gas line was leaking, with a second line nearby that was not affected, he said. The gas was venting straight up, which he said was good. Area businesses, including Slow Rise Bakehouse, remained open.