Whalley Avenue is closed between Blake Street and Tour Avenue until further notice in New Haven.
The thoroughfare, which is in the city's Westville section, is closed to all foot and vehicle traffic as gas crews work to repair a leak and police continue to investigate the fire at Delaney's Restaurant and Tap Room.
"This is an inconvenience. It's right in the middle of a vibrant commercial part of New Haven. The disruption will be significant until they can reopen those arteries," said Laurence Grotheer, director of communications for New Haven.
The street closure is forcing about 20 local shops to close too.
"I think it's pretty devastating for the shop owners--small businesses depend on their daily traffic and daily foot traffic in this area," said area property owner Lesley Roy.
Eastbound traffic on Whalley Avenue heading toward downtown New Haven will be diverted onto Blake Street and detoured around the site.
Westbound Whalley Avenue traffic heading away from downtown New Haven will be diverted onto Fountain Street and around the site.
A small portion of Central Avenue between Fountain Street and Whalley Avenue is also closed indefinitely.