WORKS are set to start on upgrading ageing gas pipes in Hereford's Holme Lacy Road next week.

Gas distributor Cadent will be embarking on a seven-week project to install new gas mains from the junction of Chestnut Drive to the junction of Dinedor Road.

The existing iron mains will be replaced with new plastic pipes that the company says will last for at least 80 years.

Temporary traffic lights and a junction closure will be in place during the works.

Craig Horrocks, who heads up Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme in Herefordshire said: “With 83 percent of local residents relying on gas to heat their homes, it’s important that we keep investing in our pipe network so people can stay warm and safe for many decades to come.

“To keep colleagues and motorists safe we will need traffic management and we would ask people to bear with us as we complete this work."

The work will be carried out in five phases, starting on June 29 with the pipe being replaced in Holme Lacy Road, either side of the junction with Chestnut Drive.

There will be temporary traffic lights at the Holme Lacy Road/Chestnut Drive/Hoarwithy Road roundabout.

During phase two, engineers will be working outside the shops in Holme Lacy Road, between Hoarwithy Road and Norton Avenue. Some parking bays will be closed while this phase is underway.

Phase three will take place near the junction of Holme Lacy Road and Hinton Avenue. This junction will be closed, and access to Hinton Avenue will be via Chestnut Drive and Birch Grove. There will also be temporary traffic lights.

During phase four, gas mains will be replaced around the junction of Holme Lacy Road and Dinedor Avenue. During this phase there will be temporary traffic lights at this junction.

The final phase will take place in Dinedor Avenue, where no traffic management will be needed.

If you have any questions about this work, contact the customer service team on 0161 703 1010 / 1110.