The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £225,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in and around Yorkersgate, Malton.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 740m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project, which began on Monday 9 January and is expected to last around 11 weeks is progressing well, having been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council Highways and Ryedale District Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption to customers as possible.

In order for engineers to complete the work safely and efficiently, some traffic management measures continue to be necessary.

A road closure was introduced on Yorkersgate from Monday 9 January for approximately 10 weeks, with a clearly signed diversion route in place for motorists however access will be maintained at all times for business deliveries.

All bus stops at the start of the diversion will be suspended and replaced with temporary stands whilst the road closures are in place.

The road closure between War Memorial and Railway Street will be removed on Tuesday 28 February, and access to Market Place, Railway Street and Saville Street will resume as normal.

Access to Yorkersgate will be provided via the above streets and via York Road, however access will be restricted from the four-way temporary lights at Castlegate/Wheelgate to Railway Street from Tuesday 28 February. There will be strictly no access to Yorkersgate at this section.

A road closure will be introduced on Wells Lane from Monday 20 March for one week.

Three-way temporary traffic lights will be introduced at the junction of Castlegate and Old Maltongate from February 28 until March 19.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and engineers will be working Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with North Yorkshire County Council Highways to carefully plan these works in order to minimise disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting these works completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.