A BUSY bus route in Huddersfield is to shut down - for six weeks.
All buses using Kirkgate in Huddersfield town centre will face six weeks of roadworks as gas firm Transco lays new piping.
Work costing £25,000 will start in Kirkgate, a major exit and entry point for Huddersfield town centre traffic, next Monday.
About 170 metres of metal gas main pipes are to be replaced with new, more durable plastic piping.
Transco will be using "trenchless technology" - inserting the new pipe through the old one --to minimise digging.
The work will affect Kirkgate from Market Place to the junction with Venn Street.
A contraflow for traffic will be set up.
Signs have been put up to warn the public about the impending works.
Access will be available at all times for pedestrians and local businesses.
However, bus services will be diverted out of the town centre via Northumberland Street.
Temporary bus stops will be set up on Northumberland Street for services that usually stop at Lord Street and St Peter's Street.
Anyone with queries can contact bus operators First on 01484 426313 for information on their services.
For news on other bus operators' services, contact transport authority Metro on 0113 245 7676.
The Kirkgate work is part of a nationwide investment programme by Transco, who manage the gas delivery network.
Several projects in Huddersfield are planned as part of the investment programme.
Dave Walker, Transco network officer, said: "This is significant investment for Huddersfield and will enable use to maintain the local gas pipeline system.
"There will be some disruption but we will do our utmost to ensure this is minimised and the project is completed safely and in the shortest time possible.
"Once the new plastic pipeline is in the ground, it is unlikely that people will see us carrying out roadwork on this main for many decades to come."
Anyone with queries about the work should contact Ross Streetcare on 0800 731 8765.
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