Emergency gas repair to close busy dual-carriageway

Cadent Gas apologised for any disruption caused

Part of a busy dual-carriageway will be shut over the weekend so emergency gas repairs can take place.

Cadent Gas said it would be working on a gas main on Mere Way, Northampton, from 17:30 BST until Sunday afternoon.

Engineers will "fully close and excavate" the eastbound carriageway and a "clearly signed" diversion route will be in place, the firm said.

The work is unrelated to the nearby Queen Eleanor project which is ongoing, it added.

Emergency work is being carried out from Saturday afternoon to Sunday

The 3.3-mile (5.35km) diversion will go along the A508, toward Northampton, to the area by Morrisons and back down Towcester Road.

Cadent said emergency vehicles would be allowed through, and it would not affect pedestrians.

Bus stops on the A45 slip road, and the nearest stops on London Road and Newport Pagnell Road, will be suspended for the duration of the works.

Local bus operators have been notified, and passengers are advised to use alternative stops.

Rhys Phillips, customer operations supervisor for Cadent, said: "We apologise for the disruption these emergency works will cause and thank road users, residents and businesses for their patience.

"The repairs are vital to ensure the continued safety of the local community and to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply.

"Our engineers will be working as quickly and safely as possible to complete the work and reopen the road."