Gas Leak Closes Downtown Westfield Streets

Westfield police and fire personnel have closed streets and rerouted traffic in downtown Westfield on Friday as they investigate a gas leak.

The gas leak appears to be somewhere on North Avenue between East Broad and Prospect. Shoppers, workers and residents traveling through the area should expect delays.

Westfield Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Roger Sawicki told Patch that gas readings are NOT elevated in any residences or businesses, but that there are elevated readings of methane — or sewer — gas in the area of North Avenue between East Broad and Prospect.

Fire department personnel have observed a strong smell near 's pastry shop at the corner of Prospect and East Broad. As a precaution, they have blocked the street while the gas company continues testing.

Sawicki was not able to predict as yet when streets would reopen.

Patch will update this story as more information is available.