GAS engineers have pledged to fix a broken gas main as quickly as possible to prevent a repetition of rush-hour traffic chaos.

The A167 in Chester-le-Street, County Durham - between the A1(M) interchange and Ropery Lane roundabout, near the Riverside - was closed after a main collapsed under Park Road late on Tuesday afternoon, causing major tailbacks.

Partial closures of Blind Lane and Park Road had been lifted following roadworks in the area to allow for this week’s return to school after the summer holidays. Signed diversions were in place.

Big problems developed during the rush hour on Wednesday (September 3),

As a result of the A167 closure traffic on feeder roads built up in all directions in the Chester-le-Street area.

Durham County Council says the road could be closed for a couple of days.

Buses were affected and some services had to be re-routed.

And cricket fans were warned to expect delays getting to the Emirates ground at the Riverside for the final day of Durham’s County Championship match against Nottinghamshire.

It is not known if the broken mains was a result of the roadworks in the area.

Pipeline company Northern Gas Networks said yesterday (Sept 3) that its engineers were continuing to carry out repairs on the main.

Gas Networks Emergency Officer, Barry Brightman said: “We’d like to apologise to motorists and will endeavour to reopen the road as soon as possible.

“Safety is our number one priority and we’d like to thank the public for their cooperation.”

Anyone who smells gas should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.