EIGHT weeks of roadworks start today as part of 'essential' gas main works.

From today, there will be a lane closure heading northbound in Duke Street and London Street.

Gas company SGN has said the work will see metal gas mains in Reading replaced with plastic ones.

This is expected to run for eight weeks.

SGN has said the work starting today will close the northbound lane from the pedestrian crossing just south of the bridge to the junction with Kings Road.

Vehicles will still be able to get through southbound from Kings Road.

From Monday, March 2, there will then be temporary three-way traffic lights in Kings Road/King Street junction with Duke Street for two weeks.

Following this the last five weeks of the roadworks is expected to start on Monday, March 16.

This will include a closure of Kings Street between Minster Street/Broad Street and Duke Street.

SGN said access to Minster Street will be via the junction of Castle Street and St Mary's Butts and Bridge Street.

Access to Broad Street will be via Queen Victoria Street.

SGN Engineering Manager Chris Holford said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

"This means once the work has been completed, Reading homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”