Yellow-green chlorine gas leaked from the tanker.

A 12,000-gallon tanker leaking chlorine fumes shut down all lanes of U.S. Highway 290 at Springdale Road Thursday morning, Lt. David Belknap of the Austin Fire Department said.

Highway 290 remained closed until about 4:30 p.m. when the road was finally opened.

The tanker was moved a mile northeast of the intersection to an open field around 1:30 p.m.

Emergency workers hoped moving the truck would help 290 open quickly, but the tank continued to leak causing some immediate danger. A private contractor is working to contain the leak.

The incident happened just after 6 a.m. Thursday. There were no injuries reported.

People who live in the neighborhood north of the intersection were told to seal themselves in their home, and turn off their air conditioners, or leave the neighborhood in their own cars.

That order was rescinded and the residents of the 130 homes that were affected were given the OK to return around 4 p.m.

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Students in the Austin Independent School District who live in the area near the chlorine gas leak and are normally bused home must remain at school until their parents pick them up. Buses will not take them home.

Affected schools include LBJ High School, Dobie Middle School and Jordan Elementary School.

Students who reside in the evacuation area but attend magnet programs at Kealing and Fulmore middle schools will be taken by bus to LBJ for parent pick-up. LBJ is at 7309 Lazy Creek Drive.

District administrators will stay at each school until every child is picked up by a parent. Thursday was the last day of classes for AISD.

	Facts about cholorine
Chlorine is traditionally used in industry and is found in bleach and other common household products. When mixed with other chemicals it can become extremely flammable or explosive. Chlorine released into the air spreads and diffuses rapidly but settles close to the ground. Symptoms of exposure include coughing, tightness in the chest, burning eyes, nose and throat, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, blistered skin, shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs. No antidote exists. For eye irritation flush eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. Air testing is used to monitor the strength of the gas.