MAJOR roadworks along a popular commuting route between Bradford and Leeds are set to end in the coming days. 

Sections of Bradford Road and A647 Dick Lane westbound in Thornbury have been closed since August 1.

Traffic is most affected at rush hour as cars attempt to make their way into the single right hand lane. 

Here's everything drivers need to know - from when the work will end to why it's happened in the first place. 

Thornbury roadworks and gas repairs

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has closed some lanes for utility repair and maintenance works. 

It is part of an "essential upgrade" and will see ageing metal pipework replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes.

Planned alongside Bradford Council and Leeds City Council, the roadworks are expected to last for five weeks. 

Motorists often face severe delays between nine and 14 minutes with an average reported speed of five mph in the area.

The AA’s traffic section reads: “Two lanes closed due to gas main work on A647 Bradford Road inbound before Kwik Fit. Expect delays."

A spokesperson for NGN said: "NGN, the gas distributor for the north of England is carrying out essential gas mains replacement work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to properties in and around the Thornbury area of Bradford.

"The ageing metal pipework is now being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers now while getting the network ready to transport alternative greener fuels in the future.

"So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

"At the junction of Leeds Road and Dick Lane traffic is restricted from three lanes to one and a signed diversion is in place via Barracks Loop and the A647 for motorists trying to access Dick Lane and Leeds Old Road.

"While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access customers properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas."

Chris Nevison, business operations lead for NGN, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Thornbury.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

What to do if you smell gas

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

For all the very latest information on the roads and rails, visit our Traffic and Travel page.

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