Northern Gas Networks is currently carrying out an essential gas mains replacement project in Evenwood, Bishop Auckland.
As work has progressed, engineers have discovered that part of the existing main requires an emergency repair.
In order to fix the pipe, it has been necessary to close Copeland Lane to traffic, from 2 Copeland Row to Evenwood Medical Practice.
The road closure will be in place from Wednesday 24th October until Sunday 4th November and a signed diversion is in place for motorists.
NGN Customer Care officers will be door-knocking residents and businesses today, to make them aware of the work and the road closure.
Site manager, Nigel Pearson, said: “We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this essential repair work and thank our customers in Evenwood for their patience as we work to complete this as safely and quickly as possible.”
Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.