The state office building on Summit Avenue in Jersey City’s Journal Square was evacuated and nearby roads were closed when a “suspicious” backpack was found at the building.

The package, a backpack, was reported at approximately 4 p.m. and the building, which houses a Motor Vehicle Commission office and other state offices, was quickly evacuated, witnesses said.

Jersey City police, with its Emergency Services Unit, and firefighters responded to the building on Summit Avenue near Sip Avenue, across the street from the Jersey City Municipal Court.

The closure of roads in the area created rush hour gridlock throughout the Journal Square neighborhood before the package was deemed not to be a threat at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Jersey City police did not immediately respond for more details on the incident.