A BROKEN gas main has caused massive problems for drivers heading into Huddersfield today.
Engineers have had to dig up Wakefield Road near its junction with Somerset Road at Aspley to get to the damaged main - and then discovered it will be a complicated repair job.
They were first alerted to the problem on Monday evening when people living nearby smelled escaping gas.
They started work yesterday and then discovered the full extent of the problem.
Richard Felton, of United Utilities - a private company which runs the gas network in Yorkshire for Northern Gas Networks - said: "The engineers discovered a large crack underneath the old pipe.
"This means it will be a complicated job to repair."
A special stainless steel `sleeve' is being made by a company in Chesterfield which will then be clamped around the pipe to fix it permanently.
A temporary clamp is now in place so no gas is escaping.
Supplies to homes and businesses nearby have not been affected.
Mr Felton added: "We hope to get this specially-made equipment to the site today and will immediately start work.
"We will do the work as quickly as possible, but it could go into Friday. "We are very sorry for any disruption, but safety has to be our top priority."
