Weeks of urgent gas main works along one of Christchurch’s busiest routes started last week.

Southern Gas Networks say the work along Barrack Road in Christchurch is likely to take around 13 weeks to complete.

Two-way traffic lights will be installed around the work, with access to some side roads temporarily restricted to allow work at various junctions.

Over the past few months, the company has carried out a number of repair works along the main route.

A spokesman said: “We are acutely aware of the disruption this has caused to the local community. We are now investing £300,000 to replace this section of our network.”

Work will start in 200-metre sections at The Grove end of Barrack Road heading towards Christchurch Retail Park.

The spokesman added: “We are inserting the new pipe into our old pipes to reduce inconvenience as far as possible and the majority of our work will be carried out in the eastbound parking bays rather than the carriageway.

“To ensure the safety of the public and our engineers, we will need to install temporary two-way traffic lights at times.

“We will also need to temporarily restrict access to Barrack Road from some adjoining roads as our works cross these junctions.

“We will carry out these phases of our project at weekends to minimise disruption and provide advance notice.”

SGN engineering manager Tony Clifton said: “We understand that roadworks can be frustrating and we’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused. ”

Cllr Nick Geary, lead member for transportation at Christchurch council, said he would be monitoring the work carefully.

“Obviously the work has to be done and it’s better that it is done now, rather than the summer.”