MONROE - A gas leak that took place on Monroe's west side at about 7:30 a.m. Friday was repaired by about 11 a.m. However, 10 1/2 Street from Sixth Avenue West to Eighth Avenue West was expected to remain closed into the evening hours Friday as WE Energies continued to search for what caused the leak.

Monroe Deputy Fire Chief Lane Heins said the gas lines were shut off around 11 a.m. He didn't know how long the street would remain closed.

WE Energies spokesman Brian Manthey said the problem was isolated and gas was shut off in the area. Diggers reached the pipe and were able to "pinch it off," he said, allowing gas to be returned to other businesses in the area. Manthey said he doesn't know what caused the leak, but said diggers will be able to make a determination once that area of the pipe is examined.

Businesses in the area then were allowed to open.

For most of Friday morning, the Monroe Police Department wouldn't allow customers to enter Badger Express Lube, Faith Engineering, Taco Bell, MTX and the Figi Insurance Agency. The businesses were opened once the gas leak was secured, Heins said. None of the businesses had to be evacuated, he said.

The street area between Badger Express Lube and County N was closed at about 7:40 a.m.

The leak occurred between Badger Express Lube and Faith Engineering, Heins said.

The Monroe Fire Department assisted at the scene.