Gas work disruptions 'unacceptable', council says

A county council says disruption caused by a gas company during city centre works "is not acceptable".

Work to upgrade Cadent Gas's network near the junction of Tritton Road and Doddington Road in Lincoln began on 2 June, with new traffic measures now in place until 29 June.

Ashley Behan, traffic manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The lack of information, the slow progress and the constant changes have created problems for residents, businesses and road users."

A spokesperson for Cadent Gas said they "understand the frustrations" and would "aim to minimise disruption as best we can".

The council said traffic measure changes were in force from 22:00 BST.

This includes temporary traffic lights at the junction, moving to a three-way set up, and a one-way closure on the west side of Doddington Road being removed as "no work has taken place there".

Traffic will now be able to use Doddington Road in both directions and the full closure on the east side will stay in place, the same as when the work started, the authority added.

Signals will also be monitored and manually controlled from 07:00 to 19:00, seven days a week, to "try and ease traffic flow disruption", the council said.

Behan said: "We've been clear with Cadent that this has to improve straight away, and we'll be holding them to that.

"We're carrying out a full review of how this has been handled so we can make sure lessons are learnt."

He also advised people to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, particularly at peak times.

A spokesperson for Cadent said: "We have been working tirelessly to carry out these essential works and keep the gas flowing to the people of Lincolnshire and beyond for generations to come.

"The works were requested to be brought forward by Lincolnshire County Council, and so we have done so at their request."

Cadent also thanked people for their patience and understanding as they carried out "the vital works as safely and as swiftly as possible".

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