MAJOR works to replace old gas mains in a west Suffolk town are set to begin tomorrow.

Energy company National Grid is replacing 3.4 kilometres of old metal gas mains in Bury St Edmunds with plastic pipe.

The company says this will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.

The first stage of the 12-month project includes Ipswich Court, Ipswich Street, St John’s Street, Cannon Street, Cannonfields and Petch Close.

Work in Ipswich Court, Ipswich Street and St John’s Street should be complete by the middle of May.Ipswich Street will become one-way for vehicles travelling northbound towards the roundabout.

Motorists wishing to turn into Ipswich Street from the roundabout will follow a diversion via Tayfen Road.

Residents in Peckham Street will be able to turn left into Ipswich Street.

Work in Cannon Street, Cannonfields and Petch Close will also start tomorrow and should be complete by June 30.

There will be a lane closure in Cannon Street from the junction of Orchard Street and Well Street to the junction with Garland Street. Once this work is complete this area of Cannon Street will re-open.

As work moves on towards Cannonfields, two-way traffic lights may be required on Cannon Street. No traffic management will be required in Cannonfields.

Work will then continue along Cannon Street past Petch Close and if required, a lane closure will be implemented in Cannon Street with two-way temporary traffic lights. No traffic management will be needed in Petch Close.

National Grid said gas supplies would only be affected when the gas supply is being transferred from the old gas pipe to the new one. Homes and businesses affected should be notified in advance of when this will be happening in their street.

Supplies would only be disrupted during that day, National Grid said.

Project manager Chris Naylor said: “We will do everything we can to keep traffic moving while we are working and also to make sure local businesses can continue to operate as normal, but we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

National Grid said to keep disruption to a minimum the new pipe would be inserted through the old one wherever possible, reducing the amount of digging needed and speeding up the work.

National Grid engineers may need access to properties. Occupants should ask to see official identification before allowing anyone in. If in doubt about the identity of an engineer call 0845 2461285.

The mains replacement scheme is part of an investment of over �2 billion a year in National Grid’s gas and electricity networks in the UK.