Swanage’s Victoria Avenue will be closed between Victoria Avenue Industrial Estate and Kings Road West for up to eight weeks in the New Year.

Southern Gas Networks are carrying out the final stages of a project, to replace an existing gas main, they started earlier this year.

A project spokesman said: “Our work forms part of our ongoing mains replacement programme in the area to maintain the safety and reliability of the gas supply network.”

Work has been undertaken to replace the old, metal gas mains with a new durable plastic pipe.

“The new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years,” said the spokesman. “This means less long-term disruption and a safe and secure supply of gas to homes for many years to come.”

The road will be closed, over the railway bridge, for approximately 200 metres. A full diversion will be sign-posted.

The gas spokesman said: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we carry out these essential works.

“We will work extended hours and weekends as required to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible.”

The road closure is scheduled to take place from January 12 until March 8.