Major city centre roadworks to continue into next month

Northern Gas Networks is carrying out work in Bank Street to replace metal pipes with plastic ones.

It has caused disruption with temporary traffic lights set up at the junction of Bank Street and Hall Ings, and the partial closure of Bank Street.

The scheme is being carried out as separate works are under way to improve the streets around Westfield's under construction Broadway shopping centre site.

Dean Woolley, network officer, Northern Gas Networks, said: “Work has commenced to replace ageing metal gas mains in Bank Street with new durable plastic mains to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

“In order to carry out this work safely and efficiently, it has been necessary to temporarily close Bank Street and install temporary two-way traffic lights at the junction of Bank Street and Hall Ings.

“These lights are being manned between the hours of 7am and 7pm to manage the flow of traffic in the area.

“It is estimated that the work will be completed by the end of the week commencing March 9.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure members of the public that we are doing all we can to complete this work as quickly as possible."

Val Summerscales, secretary of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said she had not received any complaints about the ongoing roadworks from members, but said any road works on a major route such as Hall Ings were disruptive.

"If it is essential works, then there is nothing that can be done, but we would expect any such works to be completed as efficiently and speedily as possible," she said.

Westfield and its contractor are undertaking £4.1 million of work on behalf of Bradford Council as part of an agreement signed more than a year ago.

Streets leading to the Westfield development, including Broadway, Market Street, Charles Street and Well Street are being repaved and new street furniture, lighting and planters are being installed.

Two new squares will also be created at Forster Square and Market Square.

The resurfacing of Drake Street, off Hall Ings, is also expected to take place this weekend.

The street was temporarily closed on Sunday, January 11, for the road surface to be removed - and had been due to be resurfaced the following weekend. It will also become a partial one way street with drivers prevented from joining Hall Ings from Drake Street.

However due to poor weather this was put back, and is now expected to take place this Sunday, weather permitting.