Wiltshire Council issues update after emergency gas repair works on Exeter Street in Salisbury

Following the start emergency gas repair works on Exeter Street in Salisbury, Wiltshire Council has issued an update on the progress of the work.

On Friday 12 January, there was a serious gas leak on Exeter Street in Salisbury. Nearby properties had to be evacuated and traffic lights were installed by SGN at around 4.30pm on Friday to fix the leak.

Since then, SGN has been working to fix the leak and ensure that the gas supply is safe but, because Exeter Street is a busy location, many road users experienced delays in the city over the weekend.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We apologise to anyone affected by these emergency gas works on Exeter Street in Salisbury, but this is a serious leak that needs urgent attention to keep people safe - and as the highways authority we must allow utilities companies to do this urgent work.

"Fortunately, the affected residents have now been able to return to their properties, and SGN is hoping to finish all work on site by tomorrow (Tuesday 16 January).

"However, this is dependent on there being a zero gas reading in the trench - for the safety of residents in the area, SGN cannot reinstate the road or leave the site until gas readings are at safe levels, so it may take extra time.

"To help reduce traffic queues, SGN has been operating the traffic lights manually but, unfortunately as Exeter Street is a busy area, people have experienced delays and will continue to do so until the work is completed, so we would advise people to find an alternative route.

"We have been liaising regularly with SGN about this work, and getting it finished quickly and safely is a priority for them, and the traffic lights will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so."

To keep up-to-date with roadworks, including emergency works, people should visit the roadworks map. (opens new window).