Gas works traffic lights to be removed this evening

Temporary traffic lights which caused gridlock across Newquay are expected to be removed this evening, Wales & West Utilities has said.

The three-way signals were installed on Edgcumbe Avenue after a gas leak was discovered beneath the road.

The company said a full repair had now been completed and crews were filling in the excavations.

The traffic management will remain in place temporarily to allow the new road surface to set, but the lights are due to be removed later today, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

The signals caused major tailbacks across Newquay on Tuesday, on the eve of the Boardmasters festival.

Wales & West Utilities has also stressed that the emergency repair was not connected to planned gas network improvements previously carried out nearby. That work was completed in early July.

Abby Smith, Wales & West Utilities Operations Manager for Newquay, said:

“We have been working in the Edgcumbe Avenue area of Newquay since yesterday to fix a leak on a gas pipe running beneath the road.

“Our engineers have worked as safely and as quickly as possible and have now made a full repair. To keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we worked, temporary traffic lights were put in place on Edgcumbe Avenue.

“We are now filling in the holes that we have dug and will need to keep the traffic management in place to give the new road surface time to set. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will remove these lights this evening (05 August).

“We were previously working in the nearby area to upgrade the gas network. This work was completed in early July and was not related to last night's gas leak.

“We’d like to thank local people for their patience while we carried out this essential repair.”