CITY leaders are trying to reassure motorists about the extent of the traffic disruption that is likely to be caused during a £585,000 scheme to replace a gas main.

Transco has announced that work lasting six months will be carried out around York District Hospital in Wigginton Road and Haxby Road, and temporary traffic lights will be in place.

A spokesman for York City Council said it was hoped that the worst of the delays would be over within a couple of days.

He said: "This is vital safety work which Transco is legally obliged to undertake and we are legally obliged to allow them to do.

"Unfortunately, there will be periods of congestion and delays in the area, but we have been working with Transco, the emergency services and the bus companies for several weeks on how best to manage the programme and minimise delays."