(Image: Freelancer)
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has explained why a two-week closure of a main road in a North Yorkshire town needed.
NGN is carrying out a 17-week project to replace ageing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones, aiming to secure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses in the area.
Stewart Whitehead, site manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: "We're pleased to have reopened Church Street and thank residents and businesses for their patience while we completed this phase of our essential work.
"Due to the location of the railway, to enable our essential work to proceed safely, it has been necessary to extend the road closure on Welham Road to the Springfield Garth junction for approximately two weeks.
"We recognise that the extended diversion will mean some journeys take longer and customers should allow extra time to travel and follow the signed diversion via Langton rather than using Whitewall or Bazeley's Lane."
The existing one-way road closure on Welham Road will be extended to the Springfield Garth junction for approximately two weeks.
Traffic heading towards Malton from Stamford Bridge will need to follow a diversion via Langton.
Vehicles travelling on Welham Road from the Malton side will not be affected.
Additional signs will be placed at every junction, including warnings to avoid Whitewall and Bazeley’s Lane.
Once this phase is finished, multi-way temporary traffic lights will be introduced on Welham Road to manage flow as work continues.
Mr Whitehead said: "Following the traffic management in place is essential to protect residents, road users and our teams while we complete this work and secure a safe, reliable gas supply for Norton for years to come."
Access for residents will be maintained throughout the project.
Shops and businesses in the area remain open as usual.
The works have been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.
Anyone with questions about the scheme can contact NGN’s customer care team on 0800 040 7766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk.