ATLANTA – The Atlanta Fire Department and Atlanta Gas are on the scene of a large gas leak in downtown Atlanta.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, construction crews were working at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE and Piedmont Avenue SW when they hit a gas line shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Car and pedestrian traffic in the area is being diverted.

The Georgia Capitol was evacuated as a precaution after air quality readings indicated gas levels in the area were of concern, and at approximately 10:30 a.m., the fire department ordered the evacuation and closure of the Georgia State MARTA station.

As a result, rail service to the station was suspended. A bus bridge was used to provide transportation between Five Points and King Memorial stations. MARTA also said that MARTAConnect is available for customers who want to use Uber or Lyft.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., Atlanta Fire posted on social media that there was a risk of an explosion due to the gas leak and asked everyone to avoid the area. In addition, the fire department told FOX 5 Atlanta that a nearby preschool was evacuated.

Officials are also advising people in the area with respiratory problems to take precautions, although there is no extreme risk at this time. I am also asking people to avoid the area if they can.

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures or video email [email protected].