A SIX-MONTH gas main upgrade on a busy main road into a town centre will cause ‘traffic chaos’ according to critics.

The upgrade to replace iron pipes with plastic ones will affect Preston New Road, a key road into Blackburn, from tomorrow.

The road closures will disrupt traffic around the junction between the A674 and Buncer Lane, Redlam and Spring Lane near Witton County Park.

National Grid Gas Distribution needs to replace the iron gas mains under Preston Old Road at the end of their operational life in the scheme, which started in January, to install tough plastic substitutes lasting 80 years.

Borough opposition highways spokesman Cllr Derek Hardman said: “This is going to be chaos at one of Blackburn’s busiest road junctions.”

He added: “There will be considerable traffic congestion and disruption. I just hope they get it done quickly.”

The traffic signals will be shut down and replaced with new manually-operated temporary four-way lights further back down each road phasing single-file traffic to allow works between 7am and 7pm.

Work on the pipes supplying properties in Redlam starts on Tuesday, before moving to Buncer Lane for two weeks then back to the crossroads end of Redlam.

Work in Preston Old Road will start around June 13 when Markham Road will be closed for two weeks.

Stephen Murray, National Grid head of contract, said: “This is necessary work, to ensure local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies.”