Road works set to delay drivers

Drivers have been warned to avoid the A19 in Main Street, Fulford, and Fordlands Avenue - particularly during rush hour - as Transco replaces nearly a kilometre of old metal gas main with modern, more durable plastic pipes.

The 12-week scheme, starting on June 14 and costing £105,000, is part of a multi-million pound maintenance programme across the north of England.

Dean Shepherdson, Transco's network operations manager, said the Fulford scheme had been brought forward at the request of City of York Council, which wants to resurface the road.

Two-way traffic lights will be operating, and city council highways chief Peter Evely said the project would cause some difficulty.

But he said two-way traffic would be operating along most of the route. Transco engineers are hoping to save time and disruption by inserting most of the new pipes inside the old. Mr Shepherdson said: "Although there will be some disruption we will continue to work closely with highways officials to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep it to a minimum.

"Advance warning signs for motorists are already in place. We will also be employing extra work teams in some places and using trenchless insertion technology to speed things along. Transco apologises for any inconvenience. This work is absolutely essential so that all customers in Fulford have a reliable and, above all, safe gas supply system."

Mr Evely said: "It is going to be difficult for a while, but we have no choice. The road surface needs to be replaced and that's quite a major job.

"We have contacted utilities so they can do their projects now before we carry out our work. It will be difficult, but it will not be as bad as people think."

Coun Keith Aspden, Fulford ward councillor, said: "It is important that any disruption is minimised.

"People are aware of what's happening and of the potential traffic problems and these pipes do need changing."

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, June 08, 2004