A downtown Richmond intersection was shut down briefly this morning and several nearby buildings were evacuated after a natural gas leak was discovered.

Authorities said the problem was reported shortly after 9 a.m. near North Third and East Leigh streets when a construction crew working in the area hit a gas line.

North Third Street was closed at the Leigh Street intersection at about 9:30, and people in several nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

A few minutes later, crews reported that the gas line had been shut off and that workers were repairing the line.