EMERGENCY repairs on a main road into Chester are causing major delays this morning.

The lane closure on Liverpool Road, heading into Chester, is in effect between the A5480 Countess Way (Morrisons Roundabout) to Brook Lane (Total Fitness gym).

The reason for the roadworks is gas firm Cadent is conducting emergency repairs on a gas pipe under the road.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, moved onto this busy road last night after receiving reports of a smell of gas.

Its engineers worked through the night on repairs and managed to keep gas flowing to local homes, while ensuring everyone’s safety.

The current work area now needs to be expanded, requiring a temporary road closure.

A diversion route is signposted and motorists are advised to use one of the alternative routes for the time being.

Rachel Endfield, Customer Operations Area Manager, Cadent, said: “The action my team took last night has ensured gas keeps flowing and safely.

“However, we do need to expand our work area now to complete the repairs on the pipe, which does unfortunately mean a one-way road closure.

“We are very conscious of the disruption this is causing and we will work as quickly as we safely can.”

If you smell gas, always call 0800 111 999* immediately, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work, as it may not be and needs to be checked.

Cadent manages the 21,000-mile gas distribution network in North West England, ensuring gas safely reaches 2.7 million properties for heating, hot water and cooking.

Normally, no scheduled roadworks take place around the Christmas period, in the knowledge traffic can be heavier, but emergency repairs still take place.

There is heavy traffic reported further north on Liverpool Road, near the Countess of Chester Hospital, on the A5480 Countess Way, and on Parkgate Road, as motorists seek diversions.