DRIVERS have been facing long delays as more than five weeks of roadworks got underway on a major route through Colchester.
The project, led by Cadent, began on Monday in St Andrews Avenue.
Road closures and traffic lights have been causing traffic to build up in both directions which has been made worse at the morning and evening rush hours.
Drivers have reported delays at St Andrews Avenue, Greenstead Road, Hythe Quay and Haddon Park.
The works involve reinforcing 93 metres of ageing gas mains, originally installed in the 1960s.
The first phase includes the closure of The Chase, with access maintained for residents only, alongside two-way traffic lights on St Andrews Avenue and multiway signals at the Greenstead Road junction.
The second phase will see Hythe Station Road closed from Hawkins Road to Hythe Quay, with additional temporary lights installed nearby.
Cadent says the work is vital to maintaining a safe and reliable gas supply.
The upgrades will see old metallic pipes replaced with modern plastic alternatives designed to last for decades, while redundant sections of pipeline will be permanently taken out of service.
Eleanor Buxton, head of work management at Cadent, said the pipes have been “very well used over the past 60 years” and now require reinforcement to ensure they can continue delivering gas to homes year-round.
She said: "The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network have been very well used over the past 60 years and it’s time for them to be reinforced to ensure that they can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
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"These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane.
"This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
"We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people understand this project is essential to maintain a long-term safe gas supply."
Work in Colchester is expected to be completed by July 19, but until then, drivers are being urged to allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative routes where possible.
Greenstead councillor Tim Young said: "I understand the works being done by Cadent are important but I would plead with them to keep disruption to a minimum.
"It is vital that their communication is transparent, widespread and effective so that residents can plan their journeys in advance to avoid frustration and unnecessary delays.
"They really need to up their game when it comes to communication."
Councillor Julie Taylor added: "As ward councillors we will monitor this.
"Our experience with Cadent has not been positive.
"Of course it's essential work but they take no regard to the impact on residents and motorists and they really need to understand the impact."
Gas supplies will remain on throughout the works, with only brief interruptions expected for properties directly connected to the sections being replaced.
Residents are also reminded to report any suspected gas leaks immediately by calling the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
From 12pm to 2pm next Tuesday, Cadent customer teams will be at The Davey Close Trade Park in Greenstead Road to chat with residents, and address any issues raised.
