AGEING gas mains are set to be upgraded following a £400,000 investment to improve a supply to one Darlington street.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has begun a 25-week project to replace a stretch of existing metal gas mains running underneath Geneva Road to install “durable” plastic pipes.

The work is expected to run until December 2017 and will include road closures in the surrounding area while the gas network is updated.

A road closure will be place on Neasham Road at the Railway Bridge from Monday, July 3, for an estimated two-week period.

A signed diversion route via the A66 and Yarm Road will be in place during the closure, however access for residents in the Railway Cottages will be maintained at all times.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual.

Stuart Armin, construction services area manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with the local council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter, and thank them for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

An NGN spokesman added that the gas works are expected to increase journey times through the area and commuters should allow extra time for travel, particularly during rush hour periods.

For more information on the project, call NGN on 08000-407766, using option 3.

Alternatively, email customercare@northerngas.co.uk