MOTORISTS are facing an unhappy New Year of delays and diversions when a section of York's inner ring road shuts for up to three weeks.

A vital upgrade to the city's ageing gas mains will mean the closure of one lane of Nunnery Lane - heading north-west towards Micklegate Bar from Bishopthorpe Road - from next Monday.

The alternative route suggested by highways chiefs would take drivers along the inner ring road in the opposite direction around the city, via Skeldergate Bridge, Foss Islands Road, Lord Mayor's Walk, Gillygate, Museum Street and Queen Street. Drivers heading the other way along Nunnery Lane will be unaffected by the works.

Northern Gas Networks has apologised in advance for any inconvenience caused and thanked members of the public for their patience and support.

A spokesman said the project to upgrade ageing metal gas mains was part of the on-going development of infrastructure across the north of England, which would see 3,800km of old metal gas main replaced with modern plastic equivalents by 2021.

"It will involve replacing existing metallic gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come," he said.

"The eight week project will start on January 5 and take place on Nunnery Lane, Bishopthorpe Road and Scarcroft Road."

He said temporary traffic lights would be in place on Bishopthorpe Road and Scarcroft Road, pedestrian access would be maintained at all times and businesses would remain open as usual.

Bob Hope, Construction Services Area Manager, said the firm's customer care team had been door-knocking residents and businesses in the area to help ensure they were aware of the work, and the firm had been working closely with the local highways authority to minimise traffic disruption.

“In addition, a customer cabin will be located at the car park on Nunnery Lane throughout the duration of the project so that members of the public can drop in and ask questions or raise any concerns," he said.

"The cabin will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11am and 1pm.”

He added that people with any questions about the work should call the customer care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7, which would be available between 8am and 10pm Monday to Friday, and between 9am and 5.30pm on Saturdays.