MOTORISTS across Trowbridge should brace themselves for long delays in the coming weeks as Wales & West Utilities start gas replacement work which will see several roads closed or controlled by temporary traffic lights.

Drivers who have already faced rush hour delays on Devizes Road, Hilperton Road and Trowbridge Road, one of the main commuter routes into and out of town, are being warned to expect more delays from tomorrow (Monday).

Wales & West Utilities, who are currently working on Devizes Road in Hilperton where there are temproary traffic lights, have said the work is anticipated to replace more than 130 meters of old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones to make sure that homes and businesses in the area continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas now and in the future.

Church Street in Trowbridge is also due to be closed for six weeks from tomorrow (Monday), again so gas pipes can be replaced.

A Wales & West Utilities spokesman said: “Our teams will work as safely and as quickly as they can, and we anticipate that barring any engineering difficulties or adverse weather conditions, work should be completed by the end of May.

“We have worked closely with Wiltshire Council in planning this work to keep inconvenience to a minimum. So we can work safely, there will be a one way system in place on Church Street for six weeks. A diversion route will be clearly signposted. Depending on the progress of our work, we may also have to close Manvers Street at the junction with Church Street at weekends while we are working, but we will keep local people updated.

“We appreciate that working on a road like this one may be inconvenient, but it really is essential to make sure homes and businesses in the area continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas now and in the future. We’d like to thank the local community for their understanding and support while we work as safely and as quickly as we can."

For more information about the gas replacement work, contact Wales & West Utilities on 0800 912 2999 or by enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk.