MARTIN COUNTY, FL — Jensen Beach Boulevard was shut down Monday after construction crews struck a gas line near a Dunkin’ on NE Jensen Beach Boulevard, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Martin County Fire Rescue.
Officials said the closure affects the stretch from NE Skyline Drive west to NE Highland Avenue. Nearby businesses were notified, and some were evacuated as a precaution while crews responded to the scene.
No injuries had been reported at the time of the update. Authorities urged drivers to stay away from the area and use other routes until the roadway could reopen.
Where the closure is affecting traffic on Jensen Beach Boulevard
The shutdown is centered on a busy section of NE Jensen Beach Boulevard near the Dunkin’ location referenced by deputies. That makes the disruption especially significant for drivers heading through Jensen Beach and nearby commercial traffic.
Martin County officials said the road is closed between NE Skyline Drive and NE Highland Avenue. That closure cuts off a key corridor and forces motorists to adjust their routes in the middle of the workday response.
Northeast Sunview Terrace is being used as a detour, giving drivers one option to move around the blocked area. Officials have not said how long the road will remain closed.
Businesses near the gas leak were notified and some evacuated
Authorities said nearby businesses were alerted after the gas line was struck. Some locations were evacuated as a precaution while public safety crews assessed the scene.
The decision to clear part of the area reflects the concern that comes with a damaged gas line, even before any injury or fire is reported. Officials have not said which businesses were evacuated or how many people were moved out.
At the time of the update, no injuries had been reported. That was the key piece of reassuring news as responders worked to stabilize the situation and reduce risk around the leak.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office tells drivers to avoid the area
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office advised motorists to steer clear of the closure and to find alternate routes while the response continues. With the road blocked, congestion and delays are likely for anyone who normally uses the corridor.
Detour guidance is important in incidents like this because traffic can complicate emergency work around a damaged gas line. Officials have not announced any temporary traffic signal changes or a timeline for reopening.
For now, the main instruction from law enforcement is simple: do not enter the closed section of Jensen Beach Boulevard and use the detour instead.
Why crews striking a gas line can create a fast-moving emergency
When a construction crew hits a gas line, the response often has to move quickly because leaks can create both fire and evacuation concerns. That is why even a single damaged line can shut down a road and prompt nearby businesses to clear out.
In this case, Martin County Fire Rescue joined the sheriff’s office at the scene to handle the hazard and keep the area secure. Officials did not release details about the size of the leak or what kind of equipment was involved.
The incident shows how routine work near utility lines can turn into an immediate public safety issue, especially in a commercial area where people, traffic and businesses are close together.
Officials say the response is still developing
Authorities described the situation as ongoing, with updates expected as crews continue to work. They have not said when the gas line will be repaired or when the boulevard will reopen to normal traffic.
For now, the road closure, detour and precautionary evacuations remain the main impacts. No additional injuries were reported, and officials have not mentioned any fire damage tied to the incident.
Drivers in the area will need to keep checking for changes until Martin County officials say the roadway is safe to reopen.
