Picktree Lane, off the A1M roundabout in Chester-Le-Street, is closed today (February 6) in both directions, due to emergency gas work. A diversion route is in place.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN),  the North of England’s gas distributor, is carrying out emergency repair work to a damaged medium pressure gas main. The company is liaising closely with the highways authority and local council.

The damaged pipe does not present a public safety risk, and no evacuations have been necessary.

The closure is expected to cause considerable delays to journey times, especially during peak rush hour.

Andy Coates, NGN site manager said:  “We’d like to apologise to motorists for any delays to their jouney times today.

“We’ve had to close Picktree Lane in both directions, in order to carry out this emergency repair. Our engineering teams are doing everything possible to get the situation resolved, and the road reopened, as quickly as possible.”

Customers requiring futher information can contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.