By Joshua Zumbrun
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 4:54 PM

Construction at the Monroe Avenue Bridge on Route 1 in Alexandria accidentally caused a leak in a 12-inch gas main this afternoon.

The leak was reported at approximately 2 p.m. and the bridge was closed while repairs were made, causing significant delays in both directions on Route 1, said Leddy Anne, a communications coordinator for the Alexandria Fire Department.

Repairs were expected to take three hours, and authorities hoped to open one lane in each direction before 5 p.m. Residual delays on Route 1 are anticipated.