Newcastle City Council’s project to widen Killingworth Road in Gosforth, and install a new Metro bridge at a well-known pinch point, reaches a new milestone next week as Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the North of England’s gas distributor, begin essential gas mains diversion works.

The major project, to divert three gas mains away from the section of carriageway due for improvement, will begin on Monday 2 October (although some trial holes have been carried out prior to this) and is due to be completed by mid-March, 2018.

Once NGN have completed their set of works the road will reopen, although Newcastle City Council will be carrying out some further works to widen the pavement and install bus, cycle and car lanes.

Andy Coyne, Major Projects Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “This is a major project and we have been working closely with Newcastle City Council to carefully plan these works and ensure disruption for road users and local residents is kept to a minimum.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, and thank our customers for their patience as we aim to complete the works as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Cllr Arlene Ainsley, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Air Quality, said: “Now that the new wider Metro bridge is in place, we need essential gas works completed before we can build the new carriageway.

“This is a complex part of the scheme and we have been working closely with Northern Gas Networks to plan this stage, but once complete we can re-open the road.”

Newcastle City Council’s £13.5m project will see Killingworth Road widened to reduce congestion, improve air quality, provide more efficient bus routes and make it easier and safer for people on bike and foot. Further details about the project can be found on Newcastle City Council’s website.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.