The pipe was ruptured during excavation works in the area.

A local gas company was engaged to dig down to the pipe and clamp the leak, near of one of Bendigo’s major arterial roads.

Traffic disruption lasted for more than an hour, as roads leading to Chapel Street in the inner-box road system were blocked.

V/Line was also ordered to divert buses from the Chapel Street route.

CFA crews stood by to assist at the emergency.

Fireman Brian Suckling said the crews provided support in case something ignited during the incident.

The leak was safely plugged by about 10.30 am.

Traffic was returned to normal shortly afterwards.