Planned gas works on Verwood Road have been postponed following concerns about traffic disruption linked to ongoing works on the A338 in Ringwood.
Two phases of work were due to take place from March 9th till the middle of summer between Potterne and Three Legged Cross.
The decision was taken by SGN after representations from councillors and emails from residents highlighting the impact of tailbacks caused by the SSE works on the A338.
The postponement means the Verwood Road scheme will now take place later this year once the A338 works are complete, Verwood Town Council announced on Facebook.
The medium pressure gas pipe on Verwood Road is due to be replaced because of its condition and leakage issues. While the project has been delayed, SGN has warned it cannot guarantee there will be no emergency gas escapes between now and when the main is replaced.
Verwood councillors said they had made “strong representations” about the timing of the works, pointing to the pressure already being felt on surrounding routes.
A revised start date for the Verwood Road works has not yet been confirmed.