Road works in Lancaster city centre which are causing traffic pain for motorists are in their "final stage" says an electricity company.
Engineers from Electricity North West have started work laying ducts for approximately 450m of new underground electricity cables in the city centre.
The work, part of a wider project which has already seen 2km of new cables installed, will see the power network operator invest close to £750,000.
Once complete, the upgraded cables will benefit thousands of customers in the city centre and surrounding areas, said Electricity North West.
“As a business, we’ve carried out a huge amount of work in Lancaster and I’m pleased to say we’re at the final stages of this project," said Chris Goode, who is overseeing the work in Lancaster for Electricity North West.
“Each day, the reliance on electricity is growing and that’s why it’s important we have a power network which can meet the growing demand so customers can continue to adopt low carbon technologies like electric vehicles, heat pumps and solar panels.
“We’ve already communicated with businesses in the area and throughout the project, we’ll provide regular updates to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible.”
Teams will start work on Nelson Street and will finish on Spring Garden Street. Work started on Thursday August 8 and is expected to last approximately four weeks.
All work has been agreed with the local council and businesses and customers have also received hand-delivered letters detailing the work, said Electricity North West.
Whilst work takes place, some road and lane closures will be in operation to ensure engineers can work safely in the highway.
Heavy delays have been occurring around and in the city centre over the past few days due to road works.
There is also a lane closure on Parliament Street and Caton Road until August 18 for private works by Aptus Utilities to install ducts for cables.
Buses heading into the city centre are diverting via Bulk Road en route to the bus station, and George Street bus stop is closed until August 23 due to roadworks.
Read more: Traffic pain for motorists as more road works planned for Lancaster city centre - Beyond Radio
Meanwhile the car park at Marketgate Shopping Centre will close for approximately two weeks from August 12 while the power network upgrades take place.
The closure is due to access restrictions but the shopping centre will remain open as normal, including the toilet facilities, and can be accessed via the pedestrian entrances.
“Our car park is being closed temporarily to allow Electricity North West to carry out crucial upgrades on the underground power network from Nelson Street to Spring Garden Street substation in Lancaster city centre," said Sarah Harrison, centre manager.
“We have been told the works to reinforce approximately 450m of underground electricity cables should be completed within two weeks but we will update our website if this changes. The centre and all our stores will stay open as usual. This work is out of our control but I would like to thank everyone for their patience while this is finished.”
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