AN £800,000 project to upgrade gas pipes in Usk could cause traffic disruption for up to 12 months.

Work by Wales and West Utilities on the gas pipelines in Bridge Street, Usk will start on 2nd January and is expected to be completed by next December.

Bridge Street will be closed from February to April between the junction of Castle Street and New Market Street. Once work on Bridge Street is finished, two way traffic lights will appear on the A472 between Little Mill and Usk.

The project is part of an £800,000 project to upgrade more than 6.5km of old metal gas pipes to new plastic ones in the area.

A public information event was held yesterday afternoon at the Three Salmons in Usk, with numerous residents and councillors attending with hopes of finding out more on what the arrangements are. Concerns have been raised about delays and the potential impact on businesses on the high street, which many Usk residents say there has been a lack of notice and information about the work.

But a letter to Usk residents seen by the Beacon says all businesses will be able to remain open as usual while work takes place, and that WWU will accommodate trade deliveries where possible.

Programme controller Fran Kirk said: “We know that working on roads like these is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“We’re very aware of the effect that our work can have on communities and commuters. We’re working closely with Monmouthshire County Council to agree the best way to get this essential work done while causing the least inconvenience.”

Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay, who said he had been contacted by Usk Town Council and constituents, said: “I am very aware of the concern in Usk about the planned road closures that will be necessary for a period from February next year until next April. This is likely to cause huge problems for traffic in Usk and local businesses.

“I know the Town Council have serious concerns about this news and I will be making representations to Wales and West Utilities without delay.”

A spokesperson from Monmouthshire County Council said: “The council appreciates that these works are going to cause delays for certain periods throughout the duration of the scheme. This will lead to some inconvenience to the local community - however our highways team is working closely with W&WU in order to keep disruption to a minimum.”