Highways start reopening after Minneapolis blast (updated)

Published 9:57 am Thursday, March 17, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Highways are starting to reopen following a natural gas line explosion in south Minneapolis.

The northbound lanes of Interstate 35W were reopened just before 11 a.m. Highway 62 was also reopened. The southbound lanes of I-35W, which are closer to the site, remain closed. State officials say a freeway overpass needs to be inspected for possible damage.

The explosion happed around 8:45 a.m.Thursday in the street in front of a Cub Foods supermarket.

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Authorities have also lifted the evacuation order for the neighborhood except the immediate area around the grocery store.