Emergency works were carried out after a gas leak was discovered by a member of the public on the A62 Leeds Road. Northern Gas Networks (NGN). NGN and Kirklees Council’s highways team have now solved the problem, undoing part of the recently completed resurfacing work in the process.

The resurfacing works had been carried out as part of the £7.9m A62 Leeds Road Smart Corridor project and completed in mid-April. The aim of this was to tackle the route’s issues with congestion, slow journey times and poor air quality, as well as safety.

Richard Whitwam, site manager at NGN said: “Last week a member of the public reported a gas escape on the A62 Leeds Road in Huddersfield. The gas escape was coming from a leaking standpipe.

“As safety is our first priority, we came out immediately to carry out a full assessment in cooperation with Kirklees Highways department and subsequently fixed the leakage. I can confirm that the works are now complete and that the site should be cleared today (June 1).”

Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “Northern Gas Networks are carrying out emergency works on the A62 Leeds Road in Huddersfield. While this is unfortunate timing following our recent resurfacing and improvements to Leeds Road, we appreciate that the safe and reliable supply of gas to local residents is greatly important, and essential works like this can’t always be avoided.

“Northern Gas Networks will be providing regular updates on the works.”

The smart corridor project was part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Corridor Improvement Programme and delivered by Kirklees Council. It was funded by WYCA and a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Brand new £8m Yorkshire road dug up weeks later due to gas leak