GAS engineers today insisted that roadworks on a busy Huddersfield road were vital.

But they face the wrath of drivers and businesses when Halifax Road is partly shut for up to three months.

The inbound lanes of Halifax Road will be shut between Ainley Top roundabout and the traffic lights by the Cavalry Arms pub at Birchencliffe.

Traffic will be able to get out of Huddersfield, but the road into town will be closed off in stages for up to 13 weeks while a gas main is replaced.

Halifax Road is one of the main routes in and out of Huddersfield, with thousands of drivers using it each day.

The gas main is being replaced by contractors for United Utilities, who have been working with Kirklees Council highways officers and councillors on a traffic plan.

A final date for the work to start is still being discussed, but it is expected to be in early April.

Work will start at Ainley Top and move down towards the Cavalry.

People heading into Huddersfield from side streets off Halifax Road will have access.

A spokesman for United Utilities said: “We would never block a street off completely, especially as there always needs to be access for emergency vehicles to get down.

“We have to work around these things. Work is very much still at the planning stage.”

Diversions for traffic entering Huddersfield were expected to be finalised at a meeting between United Utilities and Kirklees highways today.

It is thought that traffic will be diverted from the M62 to junction 22 near Saddleworth or junction 25 at Brighouse.

But if traffic does leave the motorway at junction 24 (Ainley Top) it will be diverted down Lindley Moor Road and back into Huddersfield via New Hey Road.

Traffic from Halifax will be directed to Brighouse and on to Bradford Road. If vehicles come up the Elland bypass they will be diverted down into Rastrick, along Fixby Road and then down Bradford Road.

Businesses on Halifax Road at Birchencliffe that could be affected by the works include car hire firm Bella Cars, Di Sandros restaurant and the neighbouring Briar Court Hotel and the BP petrol station and van hire firm Shire Link.

Clare Magee-Denton, of Shire Link, says they could also see a drop in trade. She added: “I think it will 100% affect us. Things aren’t great for us at the moment anyway and we are trying to grab every bit of business.

“We don’t get passing trade as such, but we are conveniently located for business from people coming from Elland and Halifax and off the motorway. Also people see us here; we’re on a main route.”

She added that diverting traffic would have a knock-on effect for already busy alternative routes into town.

“From 7am to 9am and again at night this stretch of road is standing traffic. All that traffic is going to go somewhere else and will cause problems there. Twelve weeks is a long time, but what can you do about it?”

The United Utilities spokesman said disruption would be kept to a minimum, but the work was vital.

He added: “We are aware that it is quite a long job and we are working with Kirklees to ensure we keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

“We will be having meetings with local people and sending customer liaison officers to speak to residents and local business people.

“It is essential work. It is just unfortunate that sometimes these pipes are in places where people go every day. We are doing it to make sure the system is robust and safe for people.”

The old cast iron main will be replaced with new plastic pipes, which are less prone to leaks and should last for up to 80 years.

Usually, engineers try and feed the new small plastic pipe through the old gas main, meaning less digging and extra protection for the new pipe.