WORK will begin tonight on a gas mains replacement project which could cause delays in the Heathrow area.


The National Grid is warning motorists to allow extra time to complete their journeys as its engineers embark on a key phase of a vital project.


Engineers are replacing 100 metres of ageing metallic gas mains running across the A3044 roundabout near the Heathrow Airport perimeter.


Drivers using Airport Way, Stanwell Moor Road, and the Southern Perimeter Road, should expect long delays from 8pm tonight (Friday 2) onwards.


Work is expected to take around 10 days to complete with engineers working extended hours seven days a week to get the work completed as quickly as possible.


National Grid said it has worked closely with the local authorities and BAA to ensure the work is delivered with minimum of disruption.


Mark Whittaker, project engineer, said: We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause. With this particular project location there is no quiet time to complete the work but we are doing all we can to minimise delays.