Engineers from Northern Gas Networks carrying out work on a gas escape in Chester-le-Street have had to temporarily close a road to allow essential repairs to be completed.
The A167 is closed in both directions between the Ropery Lane roundabout and A1M Jct 63 roundabout and diversions have been put in place.
Northern Gas Networks emergency officer, Barry Brightman apologised for any inconvenience experienced while the essential gas works are carried out.
He said: “We’d like to apologise to motorists and will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible. Safety is our number one priority and we’d like to thank the public for their cooperation.”