Drivers face months of delays as gas pipes replaced
Wales and West Utilities (WWU) is upgrading pipes on Bishops Hull Road and Silk Mills Road in Taunton, Somerset, from 31 March.
During the works, road closures and traffic management systems will be in place as older metal pipes are replaced by longer-lasting plastic ones, WWU said.
Residents will be able to review the plans at a drop-in event between 14:00 and 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.
Tom Parker, owner of Bishops Hull Stores, Post Office and butchers, has warned that planned road closures could have a "catastrophic" impact on his business.
He said: "I think people will think twice about coming up here. Hopefully we can garner enough support by explaining the situation and hopefully there is not a massive drop-off in trade."
A WWU spokesperson said the works were "essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come".
To minimise disruption, the project will be carried out in two phases:
Bishops Hull Road Scheme
Road closure on Bishops Hull Road from 31 March to the end of June
Work on Orchard Drive from 21 April to 4 May
Road closures on Bishops Hull Road and Comeytrowe Lane, with 2-way traffic lights on Stonegallows and Wellington New Road from 27 May to 13 June
Mountway Road
Directional closure on Silk Mills Road from 16 June to 25 July
Directional closure on Silk Mills Road with a road closure of the junction of Mountway Road from 28 July to 17 August
Directional closure on Silk Mills Road with a road closure on Waterfield Drive and a lane closure on Wellington New Road from 18 August to 7 September
Mr Parker added the works could be "potentially catastrophic" because they could reduce footfall at a time when businesses are already struggling.
"Big lorries come in here every week to deliver all our supplies and the roadworks will cause quite a big issue," he added.
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