Road diversions remain in place in central Wakefield as Northern Gas Network continues its efforts to replace major pipework in the area. The temporary changes are currently affecting traffic around the Kirkgate area, causing disruptions for commuters and residents alike.
One of the affected roads, Sun Lane, is closed in one direction, while a diversion off George Street has been set up to provide access to Kirkgate. Additionally, the left-hand lane of Denby Dale Road remains closed, with diversions in place to guide traffic efficiently.
Although the road closures have caused inconvenience, buses are still operating in both directions on Kirkgate, which is fully open for public transport.
Councillor Matthew Morley, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the diversions and assured the public that they are necessary to support Northern Gas Network in carrying out their essential work. Cllr Morley stated, “We’re in close contact with them to make sure the work doesn’t take a day longer than it needs to.” He also advised motorists to check the One.Network platform before travelling to stay informed about available routes and possible diversions.
Matthew Pursell, the Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, expressed his commitment to completing the work in Wakefield City Centre as quickly as possible. However, he highlighted that safety remains their top priority, and unexpected engineering challenges have contributed to the extended duration of the project. Pursell apologized for the ongoing inconvenience caused to the local community and emphasized their efforts to mitigate the impact and finish the work promptly.
Northern Gas Network anticipates completing the replacement of the gas main by the end of June.
