Hutchinson officials have announced the reopening of a section of Main Street after a fire and explosion in late February.

The February 22nd explosion destroyed the Steffens Auto Parts store, and investigators found that it was caused by a leak in an underground natural gas line.  There were no injuries but nearby homes and businesses were evacuated for a time.

The city released a statement saying that the Avenue F intersection will remain a four-way stop to manage increased truck traffic until construction is complete on a nearby project. One block of Avenue E remains closed on the east and west sides of Main.   Sidewalks on Main could reopen as soon as Thursday.