Drivers facing delays on major route as gas mains work continues

Drivers heading out of South Shields for Jarrow faced a hold-up of up to 40 minutes yesterday morning as work got under way on the A1300 John Reid Road, with queues backing up to Boldon Lane.

A lane of the duel carriageway travelling towards Lindisfarne Roundabout, near to the junction of Perth Avenue to the Scotch Estate and Brockley Whins and Winskell Road, in Simonside, was closed off as a digger was brought in.

The restrictions are set to continue until Sunday, as Northern Gas Networks carries out work to the mains in the area.

South Tyneside Council’s streetworks schedule warned of work on the central reserve and cross over, area but no advance notices or recommended diversions were put up for drivers.

A spokesman for Northern Gas Networks said: “We are carrying out essential work to replace ageing metal gas mains in the road with more durable plastic pipes.

“This is to ensure that we continue to provide safe and reliable gas supplies to local residents and businesses for years to come.

“This project started on March 19 and engineers are replacing 1,308 metes of old metal pipes.

“This will guarantee the ongoing safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

“Customers are always our priority with schemes like these and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We know lane closures can be frustrating but it will mean an improved gas networks for the future.”

A full list of roadworks being carried out across South Tyneside and those scheduled to begin can be found via the roadworks section of the council’s website.

Anyone who would like to contact Northern Gas Networks about the road restrictions can call 0800 111 999.