Engineers from Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the North of England’s gas distributor, are carrying out emergency repairs to the gas network after a gas escape was located on Felling Bypass in Gateshead, heading towards Newcastle City Centre.

Due to the location of the gas main in the highway, lane one of the westbound carriageway will be closed until further notice while the repairs take place.

Michael Brown, Site manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “The safety of our customers and engineers is our number one priority.

“Closing the lane is essential in ensuring the public and our workforce stay safe at all times as we work to carry this repair out as quickly as possible.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience at this time and apologise for any inconvenience experienced. We will keep businesses and road users updated throughout the work.”

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

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, seven days a week.