MOTORISTS in Winchester should expect traffic delays for seven weeks whilst major gas works are carried out.

The network in Colebrook Street will be upgraded with 600m of metal pipes replaced with plastic polyethylene.

Work starts on Monday. The first three phases will be under temporary road closures.

Phase one is at Colebrook Street at the junction with the east end of the High Street, phase two is west of Colebrook Place, and phase three is between Market Lane and The Broadway.

During phase three work will only be carried out on non-market days.

The fourth section of work will be in sections of The Broadway and High Street.

SGN team manager, Tony Semmence, said: "This is a complex engineering project but it has been planned in consultation with the local authority, in a way to minimise disruption as much as possible.

"We understand that road works can be frustrating and I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience which may be caused."

Hampshire County Council will also be carrying out minor highway works under the road closures.

All businesses will remain open.