A BUSY Darwen junction will be closed for at least a fortnight to allow for the replacement of a cast-iron gas main.

The 16-metre section of Knott Street will be shut at its junction with Railway Road from Saturday, March 16. Work is expected to continue until March 29.

Diversions will be in place for northbound traffic via Railway Road, Church Street, The Circus, Borough Road, The Green, Bury Street, Duckworth Street, Union Street.

Southbound traffic will follow diversions via Knott Street, Union Street, Market Street, Arch Street, Green Street, The Circus, Church Street and Railway Road.