Work has started in Ilkeston to replace 14 miles of the town's gas mains.
National Grid began the project - which is set to last until at least November - five weeks ago on Norbert Drive in Kirk Hallam. The company are replacing existing metal gas mains with new plastic pipes, which are more durable.
Ladywood Road and G
odfrey Drive in Kirk Hallam will also be affected and there will be six weeks of disruption in Cotmanhay while 1.5 miles of mains are replaced.
A spokesperson for National Grid said when the work moves to Newdigate Street in West Hallam a road closure is likely. She said they are aiming to carry the work out on the Little Hallam area during the school summer holidays to minimise disruption, and temporary traffic lights will be put up on Stanton Road where it meets Union Road and Hobsons Drive.
Work will also be carried out on Quarry Hill Road and Little Hallam Hill in Ilkeston, but dates have not yet been set.
Residents likely to be affected by the work will receive a letter at least 10 days before it starts.
The national programme will eventually convert all gas pipes to cope with the rising demand for gas supply. The investment in Derbyshire is £12 million alone.
The spokeswoman said: "We apologise for the inconvenience but it is major replacement work. We are trying to do as much of the work as we can now so we don't have to come back in five or ten years to do some more.
"The pipes we are installing will last up to 80 years if they are left undisturbed so in theory we should not have to come back until then."
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire County Council said: "We are currently in consultation with National Grid, which is carrying out the work. Our aim is to have the work undertaken with the use of traffic signals wherever possible to minimise disruption, although some road closures will be inevitable."
For more information call 0845 6000320.
The full article contains 345 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
