Engineers from Northern Gas Networks responded to a reported gas escape on a 14” diameter gas main in Percy Street, Newcastle City Centre, at 3pm on Thursday (25 September).

Engineers have been working around the clock to locate the source of the leak and repair the main as quickly as possible.

In order to carry out the repair work safely and efficiently it has been necessary to restrict the flow of traffic on Percy Street from the junction with Gallowgate to the junction with St Thomas Street.

Nigel Chambers, Site Manager, Northern Gas Networks, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused while we carry out this essential work. The safety of members of the public is our number one priority and we have been working through the night to repair the gas main and return the road to normal as soon as possible. Whilst we continue work throughout the weekend one lane will remain closed and temporary traffic lights are in place to manage the safe flow of traffic.

“Our Customer Care Officers have been speaking to business owners in the vicinity to make them aware of the situation.   For more information please contact our Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508 or speak to one of our engineers on site.”

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, please call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. This contact number is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.