Workmen using an excavator cut through the 50 millimetre gas main near the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Loddon Mallee regional office in White Street, Kennington.

Bendigo Advertiser reporter Hannah Knight said two CFA trucks attended the scene and fire crews had sprayed water into a hole surrounded by mounds of dirt.

She said the mechanical digger was parked near the hole and several workmen wearing orange vests were standing nearby.

Police diverted traffic away from the area while CFA crews stopped the leak.

There was no indication of people being asked to leave nearby buildings.