Exeter Street in Salisbury evacuated due to 'serious gas leak'

Emergency repair works have been taking place and temporary traffic lights are expected to remain until Tuesday, January 16.

On Friday afternoon, January 12, there was a serious gas leak on Exeter Street and nearby properties were evacuated.

SGN has been working to fix the leak and ensure that the gas supply is safe but many motorists experienced extensive delays in the city over the weekend.

Drivers got stuck in the Old George Mall car park for more than an hour due to the heavy traffic.

Read more: ​Drivers stuck in multi-storey car park in Old George Mall car park

Councillor Caroline Thomas, the cabinet member for transport, said: "We apologise to anyone affected by these emergency gas works on Exeter Street in Salisbury, but this is a serious leak that needs urgent attention to keep people safe - and as the highways authority we must allow utilities companies to do this urgent work.

"Fortunately, the affected residents have now been able to return to their properties, and SGN is hoping to finish all work on site by tomorrow (Tuesday 16 January).

"However, this is dependent on there being a zero gas reading in the trench - for the safety of residents in the area, SGN cannot reinstate the road or leave the site until gas readings are at safe levels, so it may take extra time."

Drivers should expect delays on Exeter Street until the work is done. (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Thomas advised motorists to find an alternative route and avoid Exeter Street until the work is completed.

"We have been liaising regularly with SGN about this work, and getting it finished quickly and safely is a priority for them, and the traffic lights will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so," she added.

To keep up-to-date with roadworks, including emergency works, people should visit the roadworks map at one.network.