Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN) will begin essential gas mains repair work on Whitley Road, North Tyneside from tomorrow (Tuesday 21 March).

Engineers have been closely monitoring a controlled gas escape at the junction of Whitley Road A191 and Station Road North Tyneside, and will be carrying out repair work to fix the pipe.

The work has been carefully planned in collaboration with North Tyneside Council Highways in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

In order for engineers to complete the repair as safely and quickly as possible, some temporary traffic management measures will be introduced.

From Tuesday 21 March, one lane will be closed eastbound on Whitley Road while investigation works are carried out.

It’s expected the work will mean extended journey times for motorists and customers are advised to allow extra time for travel during the work.

Nigel Chambers, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “The safety of our customers and engineers is our number one priority, and the traffic management is essential in ensuring the general public and our workforce stay safe at all times.

“We’re working closely with North Tyneside Council Highways to minimise disruption to road users, residents and businesses while this essential repair work is taking place, and will continue to monitor and adjust the traffic management required as work progresses.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience at this time and apologise for any inconvenience experienced. We will keep residents and businesses updated throughout the work as we look to finish it as safely and quickly as possible.”

For further information about the work, customers can contact the NGN Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspect carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.