The one-way closure of Leeds and Bradford Road could last until SUNDAY, it has emerged today.
The roadworks, which were due to have finished on Monday, have over-run due to complications and have caused lengthy tailbacks from Kirkstall right back into the city centre.
Some motorists have said journeys to Kirkstall have taken hours instead of minutes. Some have likened Kirkstall to ‘one giant car park’.
Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are carrying out emergency repair work to a gas main on Leeds Bradford Road.
The Dispatch understands works began this morning to completely remove damaged valves. The complicated process involves decommissioning part of the existing main and installing an ‘overland’ diversion to ensure that the gas supply to Bramley and Horsforth is maintained while the works are carried out.
Northern Gas workmen will be working around the clock to carry out the repair and associated rebuild of the gas main.
This means that the one-way closure of Leeds and Bradford Road is now likely to remain in place until Sunday, October 2.
In a statement, Chris Nevison, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said:
“We’re working to repair the main as quickly and as safely as we can, and in order to do this we have had to close one side of the road to traffic.
“We’d like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their patience while we complete this essential work.”
NGN’s Customer Care team is available on 0800 040 7766 option 7. Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should ring the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day.