New gas pipes being installed at the junction of Clifton Drive North and Highbury Road West have already caused chaos.

Some motorists have reported an extra 20 minutes being added to their journey because of long tailbacks at the site's temporary traffic lights.

Liberal Democrat Coun Howard Henshaw, said he had received lots of complaints on the issue.
"It's chaos, it's terrible. Hundreds of motorists are fuming at the long delays from the roadworks caused by the laying of new gas pipes."
"There is only one alternative route - using Queensway and Kilnhouse Lane - which is presently also experiencing heavy traffic as a result of the Highbury Road West roadworks."

The work is being carried out by the Northwest Gas Alliance - a partnership between the National Grid and contractors Balfour Beatty.

Jeanette Unsworth of the National Grid said that the work, which involves replacing old gas pipes with new long-lasting plastic ones, was essential.

"We appreciate we are causing short term inconvenience but there will be a big long term benefit.
"We anticipate the work at Highbury Road West will take roughly two weeks but we will be carrying out further replacements on the Promenade that could take up to four months."

The County Council, who are responsible for managing the traffic at the site, said that it was doing its best to ensure a smooth flow.

Andrew Burrows, assistant area manager for Wyre and Fylde, said: "We will continue to monitor the situation and liase with the Gas Alliance regarding these works.

"Although the works and the lights have inevitably resulted in delays we have received relatively few complaints and we would like to thank road users for their continued patience during the Gas Alliance works."