(Portage, IN) - Interstate 94 was completely shut down in both directions this afternoon because of a natural gas leak in Porter County.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes because the closure could last for several hours.

According to Indiana State Police, it might take NIPSCO roughly until 4 p.m. to secure the gas leak in the area of Indiana 249 at Portage.

“I-94 will remain closed during this time and probably even longer,” police

said.

Westbound travelers, for example, were being diverted onto U.S. 20 near Chesterton.

Police also strongly advised motorists to avoid the area because of side roads gridlocked by traffic.