ESSENTIAL work to replace a gas pipe on a busy Newport road junction has now moved off the roundabout and along Caerphilly Road.

Wales & West Utlities is carrying out work as part of the final phase of a £1.65million investment scheme in installing new gas pipes in Bassaleg, Machen, Rhiwderin and the surrounding area which began on July 13.

Engineers are currently working on Caerphilly Road to replace old gas pipes with new plastic ones.

A two-way traffic light system is in place on the westbound side from the Forge Lane roundabout and will move west along the road as work progresses.

A temporary pedestrian crossing is currently in place outside the Post Office.

Over the next six weeks work will take place in Laurel Road, Laurel Drive, Duffryn Close, Graig Close and the junction of Caerphilly Close and Caerphilly Road.

Wales & West Utilities programme controller Francis Kirk said: “Due to the nature of the work we are doing, it is not possible to give an exact completion date.

“However we are confident that we will be off the main road by Christmas and that the whole scheme will be complete by the Spring months of 2016.

He added:“We understand how disruptive work of this kind can be, but it really is essential.

“Our teams on site are working weekends and extended hours to make sure this work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Wales & West Utilities will post its next update via social media on September 9.