DRIVERS in Swindon were hit with more misery yesterday as a section of Great Western Way was closed following a major gas leak.

Shortly after 9.30am an exposed pipe was found to be leaking gas so the carriageway, between Bruce Street Bridges and North Star, was closed for much of the day in both directions to allow repairs to be carried out.

At 3.30pm the road was re-opened but closed once again at 7.30pm for 12 hours so further repairs could be carried out.

The closure meant further misery for motorists who are already battling with a string of roadworks around the town, including the closure of Stratton Bridge.

Although the odour from the gas was very strong, officials said it posed no risk to health.

The source of the problem was a pipe that was exposed last Thursday by workmen from Wills Bros Ltd, the contractor upgrading the Bruce Street Bridges to improve traffic flow.

The pipe was unchartered and neither gas company Wales and West nor Thames Water are responsible for it.

It had been exposed for several days before it started leaking yesterday morning.

Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “The council’s project manager was quickly on the case and provided the council with a detailed update. Unfortunately, an unchartered cast-iron gas main which was exposed last Thursday began leaking.

“The contractor had discussions with both Thames Water and Wales & West last week when uncovering and was told that this unknown pipe did not belong to them.

“At 9.30am the council was notified that the pipe was leaking gas although how this occurred is not yet known. Wills Bros Ltd immediately notified Wales & West and they advised to shut the eastbound carriageway.

“The emergency Wales & West crew arrived on-site and recommended that the westbound lane should also be closed.

“With lots of effort during the day by the utility companies Great Western Way has been reopened in both directions before the rush hour period.”

Traffic queues built up around the town as a diversion route was put in place but the hold-ups were made worse by traffic trying to avoid the Stratton Bridge closure.

There have also been numerous delays on Thamesdown Transport buses, with some into the Great Western Hospital running 15 minutes late due to works in Marlborough Road.