Sissonville , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Traffic is once again moving along Interstate 77 near Sissonville, a day after a massive explosion tore through the area.

Dispatchers said the northbound lanes of I-77 near Sissonville opened about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, in addition to Route 21. Those portions of roadway had been closed since early Tuesday afternoon when a natural gas line explosion was first reported in the area.

A portion of I-77 had reportedly crumbled due to the intense heat of the explosion.

Workers with the West Virginia Department of Transportation and West Virginia Paving worked throughout the night and early morning to see that the portion of highway was repaired.

Traffic had been backed up for eight miles in both southbound and northbound directions on Tuesday afternoon.

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West Virginia State Police are asking drivers trying to travel the section of I-77 burned up by the gas explosion to call the Division of Highways.

I-77 is closed northbound at mile marker 111 and southbound at mile marker 114.

Travelers can go to the DOH website at www.transportation.wv.gov or call (877) WVA-ROAD for information on detours.

State Police Sgt. Michael Baylous says the options include taking I-79 North to Clarksburg, where drivers can get on U.S. 50 to Parkersburg.

They can also take 79 North to Wallback, then pick up Route 36 to U.S. 33 to Ripley, then get back to I-77.

Tuesday's explosion destroyed four homes and damaged others.

Nobody was killed, but several people were treated for smoke inhalation.

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