DRIVERS are being warned of delays on 'one of Cheshire's busiest roads' after a gas leak was discovered under the carriageway.

Emergency works are taking place to repair a distribution pipe under the westbound carriageway of the A556 in Rudheath. 

Gas network operator, Cadent responded to reports of a smell of gas from a member of the public and has now identified the issue.

The team has reduced the two lanes of westbound traffic to one lane to create a safe space for engineers to carry out their work. 

Where this extends for a short distance to three lanes, at the roundabout junction near the A530, King Street, only one lane will remain open for the time being.

The lanes heading eastbound – towards Lostock Gralam and beyond to the M6 – are unaffected.

Cadent say there will be no disruption to the gas supply while the work is ongoing, predicting works could go on into next week. 

Rachel Endfield, customer operations area manager for Cadent, said: “When we have a situation like this, our priority is always to keep everyone safe. We have taken action to make sure that’s the case.  

“We now need to carry out a permanent repair, which is challenging.

“At this stage, we expect the work to continue into next week. We know this is one of Cheshire's busiest roads and will work as quickly as we can to complete this.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding.

“I’d also like to praise the person who rang the gas emergency service to report this smell of gas. That’s exactly the right thing to do – if you ever smell gas, day or night, report it immediately to 0800 111 999.”