Emergency gasworks are causing congestion in the city centre.

Two-way temporary traffic lights have been placed in busy Western Road, Hove, to manage traffic during the work to fix a gas leak.

Repairs to the gas main at the junctions in Western Road and Lansdowne Road are being carried out by gas distribution company SGN with no timeframe given for their completion.

The work is causing increased congestion in Lansdowne Place and heading towards Brighton city centre.


Waseem Hanif, a spokesman for SGN, said: “We’re carrying out emergency repairs to our gas main at the junction of Western Road and Lansdowne Road.

“For everyone’s safety, two-way temporary traffic lights are in place in Western Road and Lansdowne Road is closed at both its junctions with Western Road.”

The temporary traffic lights have been placed in front of E ThirtyNine Restaurant and Bar and Starbucks in Western Road.

Mr Hanif said: “Our engineers are currently locating the source of the gas leak and it’s too early to say at this stage how long repairs will take to complete.

“We apologise for any disruption and will be working into this evening and throughout this weekend to complete repairs as quickly as possible.”

Hove Street to be closed for at least two monthsHove Street to be closed for at least two months (Image: Google) The Argus reported last week that Hove Street in Hove will be shut for about ten weeks as SGN replaces the main pipe.

The work, which started on October 7, involves replacing  the old metal pipe with a new plastic one as there have been reported gas escapes in the area.

SGN has outlined four phases for the work between the junctions on Church Road and Kingsway.

At the time spokesman Bradley Barrow said: ”Due to the location of the gas main in the road and for everyone’s safety we will need to temporarily close the road in phases.

"We appreciate road closures are disruptive and we’re sorry for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

The Argus understands there is no provided timeframe for each of the phases and it could go on longer than the expected two months. 

SGN said access for deliveries and residents will be maintained for the duration of the work.