National Grid says emergency gas works causing rush-hour chaos in the centre of Nottingham will now continue until at least Friday.
Canal Street has been affected at its junction with Trent Street since work started on Sunday evening to repair gas pipes after a leak was discovered.
National Grid, which is in charge of the pipe, said in a Wednesday update it now expects the work to continue until at least Friday (March 17).
Repairs have now been completed on five joints which were leaking on a metal pipe and the road is being resurfaced.
But repairs are now being made to more leaking joints in a separate excavation further down the road.
All other roadworks in Nottingham city centre have been temporarily halted while Canal Street is shut to help traffic flow.
A spokesman for National Grid said: “National Grid would like to thank people in Nottingham for their patience while engineers carry out emergency gas works in Canal Street.
“For the safety of everyone in the area it is imperative that we complete these repairs. Work is expected to continue over the next couple of days.
“Engineers are continuing to repair leaking joints today in another excavation, where gas has been detected.
“We expect to complete those repairs today. We will then monitor the gas readings tomorrow.
“If no gas readings are detected tomorrow then we will reinstate the road and aim to reopen it to traffic on Friday.
“If gas readings are detected then further investigative work will be needed. Canal Street will remain closed to westbound traffic while the work continues.
“We are sorry for any delays. Every effort is being made to complete this work as soon as possible.”
On Tuesday Nottingham City Council said it was ‘frustrating’ National Grid was again working on the street weeks after an earlier lane closure for gas main repairs had also affected traffic.
