TRAFFIC delays are likely in Upper Hale over the next three months, with gas provider SGN set to commence a major upgrade project in Alma Lane next week.

Temporary traffic lights are scheduled between the junction with Ball and Wicket Lane and the Tesco Express from Monday (November 7) until January 13 in the new year.

According to SGN, the works are essential “to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local community”.

A company spokesman added: “The existing metal gas mains and services need to be replaced with modern plastic pipe. The essential work forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive and is the continuation of work which was completed in the summer in Upper Hale Road.

“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, local homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”

Upper Hale has been hit by a succession of roadworks schemes in recent years, and next Monday’s works will come on the back of a shorter spell of temporary traffic lights in Upper Hale Road starting today (Thursday).

South East Water is set to dig up Upper Hale Road between the junctions of Oast House Lane and White Cottage Close to repair leaking pipes connecting two properties to the underground water network.

The work will require traffic lights to be in place between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm, although the water company hopes to complete the job by tomorrow (Friday).

Steve Benton, the company’s regional network manager, said: “To keep the public and our workforce safe, we have applied to Surrey County Council for permission to have temporary two-way traffic lights in operation while this work takes place.

“We hope to have the temporary traffic lights in operation between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm but if our workforce needs to work during peak traffic hours, these will be manually operated to keep traffic flowing.

“We know this is a busy stretch of road and we will work as quickly as possible to keep disruption to a minimum. We are sorry for any inconvenience and would like to thank local residents and motorists in advance for their patience.”