FOUR weeks of roadworks have started in Darlington.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is replacing ageing metal pipework in Yarm Road.

Work was planned to start on Monday and is expected to last four four weeks.

Traffic management measures will be put in place.

There will be two-way temporary traffic lights on Yarm Road beginning at the junction with Teal Road next to St Herbert’s Church, then moving east along Yarm Road, ending at the Darlington Retail Park also on Yarm Road.

They will be in place for four weeks and signage will be in place to alert drivers to the traffic lights, and road users are asked to leave extra time for journeys.

NGN teams are observing strict government guidance for safe distance working during the pandemic, carrying out essential planned work to replace ageing metal gas main, as well as responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers, and the community, most of the work is being carried out in the street. There will be extra measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid-19 secure, and engineers will always observe safe distance working and wear PPE.

Steve Pigott, business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Darlington.

“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current coronavirus outbreak in England. We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.