SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – A stretch of Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach was closed early Thursday morning as road crews worked to contain a leak from a natural gas pipe, police said.

Officers said all north and southbound lanes between the 16700 block and 17200 block of Collins Avenue would be diverted while the repair work continued.

"It looks like this will be at least a partial traffic construction until late in the afternoon," Sgt. Brian Schnell said. "We've got a bit of a plan in place, but the best plan is avoid Sunny Isles Beach."

Drivers were urged to use the William Lehman Causeway, if possible.