THE last stage of work which has seen large sections of York city centre dug up will start today.

The six-week phase will take place in Goodramgate and St Maurice’s Road as part of a £750,000 project to replace ageing metal gas mains in York city centre.

The Northern Gas Networks project, which started in June, will have seen a total of 1.2km of metallic pipe replaced with more durable plastic pipes by the time it is finished.

So far work has been carried out in High Ousegate, Pavement, Parliament Street and Coppergate, which closed the streets to traffic in September and October, as well as areas including Hull Road, Cemetery Road and Bishopthorpe Road.

The final phase of the work will be carried out in Lawrence Street in the spring, and will take about four weeks.

Garry Farnhill, customer operations area manager, said: “Every stage of our work has been carried out in close consultation with City of York Council, and we have taken every precaution possible to minimise disruption to residents, tourists, motorists and business owners.

“Our engineers will be working from 7am to 7pm to minimise the time we will be working in the area. However, in order to maintain access to busy streets during the day, it will be necessary to carry out some overnight work on Goodramgate. We hope to complete these works over three nights, and will finish work by 11pm.

“Due to the nature of our work, it will be necessary for lane closures to be put in place in St Maurice Road on January 20 and for temporary traffic lights to be installed.

“Access for deliveries will be maintained throughout the work. However, parking for Blue Badge holders will be suspended in Goodramgate and Colliergate.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause.”

A meeting will be held between 5pm and 6pm tomorrow at the Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green, for the public to ask any questions of Northern Gas Networks. Its cabin in Deangate will also be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 1pm.