Engineers have repaired a major gas main in Whitechapel after working through the night following a leak.
They were called to gas escape in Whitechapel Road yesterday, close to Aldgate East Underground station.
The eastbound carriageway has been closed at the junction with Osborn Street at the end of Whitechapel High Street since yesterday for the repairs, which caused disruption to traffic. But the cycle lane has remained open throughout the work.
Engineers from Cadent which manages the mains network had to excavate the road to locate the gas escape.
Repairs are now complete and the road section has been handed over to contractors to reinstate the highway, which Cadent warns takes time to replace concrete and tarmac.
Road markings also have to be repainted—and left to set and dry before the section reopens. Rain can also mean this work takes longer.
The leak to the 100-year-old mains was discovered in a routine check. The company is urging the public to call freephone 0800 111999 if they suspect any gas escape.
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