Emergency services shut down busy Tauranga street

Emergency services have shut down Waihi Rd to work to clear a gas leak. Photo/Sonya Bateson

A busy Tauranga road will likely be closed for about an other hour as emergency services work to clear a gas leak.

Judea residents have been warned to stay indoors and avoid using any naked flames as emergency services shut down one of the city's main arterial routes.

Firefighters at the scene where part of Waihi Rd has been closed after a gas leak. Photo/Sonya Bateson

Police have confirmed a gas leak in Waihi Rd has sparked the closure.

Road blocks have been put in place at the Waihi Rd and Churchill Rd and Birch Ave intersections as firefighters work to stop the leak. Diversions are in place.

Vector gas authority is working with firefighters in digging holes either side of the leak in attempt to stop it.

New Zealand Fire Service assistance area commander Jeff Maunder said one of two main gas lines the run the length of Waihi Rd was ruptured at 9.30am by a digger.

Emergency services were warning people to avoid any naked flames until advised otherwise.

''We have a natural gas leak, that's obviously a flammable risk,'' Mr Maunder said.

Mr Maunder said the road was likely to be closed for about an hour as emergency services and Vector work on the leak.