A BURST gas pipe closed a main road for two hours, causing major delays for motorists.

Police were called to reports of a gas leak in Runwell Road, Wickford, at about 8am yesterday.

They called out engineers from National Grid, who advised police to close the road while the main was repaired.

Police shut off the road between Church End Lane and the High Street at 9am, and diverted traffic through Harold Gardens.

Runwell Road is one of the main routes into Wickford and connects with the A130.

The closure led to tailbacks going into the town centre.

The road reopened at about 11am, when the repair work was completed.

A spokesman for National Grid said the main burst because it was old and had corroded over time.

He apologised for any incovenience caused to motorists trying to travel into Wickford.

The spokesman said: “We were called by the police to a reported gas escape in Runwell Road at 8.16am. After careful consideration, our engineers asked police to close the road for them to repair the damage.”

Old gas pipes are being replaced by the National Grid across the country to stop problems like this one recurring.

Pipes which are of high priority to the grid to be replaced are ones within 30 metres of homes.

Residents who smell gas, or are worried about gas safety, should call the 24-hour National Gas Emergency Service and National Inquiry line on 0800 111999.