Champaign and Urbana fire departments deployed units to investigate a gas leak at the Illini Orange near Third Street and Gregory Drive on Tuesday afternoon.

Preliminary reports show that a contractor working in the area hit a gas main causing the leak, University Assistant Chief of Police Jeff Christensen said. Construction in the area near the Illini Orange and the Six Pack began this summer.

A team of fire fighters and Ameren IP workers have been working to seal the leak.

Gas fumes can still be smelled in the surrounding area and residents nearby had been directed to remain in their homes. Campus police are directing traffic to keep commuters safe from the gas.

A source at Ameren IP said the leak had been tended to and at the time of the call it was safe for residents to go back outside.