A BUSY Poole road will close for seven weeks while the gas supply network is upgraded.

Alder Road in Poole will close from Monday, September 27, while SGN replaced the existing metal gas mains and services with a “modern, plastic pipe”.

This work forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed with the health and safety executive.

Following discussions with BCP Council, SGN said its project will start on Monday September 27 and last approximately seven weeks.

The company said contractors I&G will be working on Alder Road between the junction of Wallisdown Roundabout and South Park Road.

“Due to the location of the gas main in the road and for everyone’s safety, it will be necessary to close this section of Alder Road for the duration of the work, it added.

There will be no through vehicle access along Alder Road past the closure, with access only maintained for residents and buses on diversion. Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained throughout.

A signed diversion will be in place via the A3049 Wallisdown Road, A347, A338, A35, Ashley Road and Alder Road. Please adhere to the diversion route.

Parking bay suspensions along South Park Road and Byrant Road will also be implemented.

These suspensions are in place for safety reasons and to ensure buses can continue to provide a service to those closest to the road closure. Ticket enforcement will be in place.

SGN engineering manager, Wayne Fearnhead, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.

“Local residents will be aware of numerous leaks in the past from the old, metal pipework and our project will rectify this issue.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

“This means once the work has been completed, Poole homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”