Drivers are being warned about likely disruption when a major programme of gas replacement work starts next week.
Cadent is beginning a 15-week programme on Monday to renew ageing metal gas mains on a stretch of the A34 Stratford Road in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham.
The work involves the section between the junctions of Walford Road and the A41 Warwick Road and will see tough new plastic gas mains installed which are intended to last for at least 80 years.
There will be a lane closure on the A34 and a contra-flow in place and, for the first eight weeks, there will be no left turn into the A41 from the A34.
A signed diversion route will be in place on what is one of Birmingham's busiest routes into and out of the city centre.
Local businesses will be open as usual and Cadent is advising drivers to leave extra time for their journeys, especially at rush hour.
This work is part of Cadent's wider £65 million programme to upgrade gas pipes across the West Midlands during 2018.
Steve Murray, who leads the gas mains replacement programme in the West Midlands, said: "It's 200 years since Birmingham first had gas and Cadent is making a major investment into the city's gas pipe network to ensure that local people and businesses continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for many years into the future.
"This is important work to upgrade an existing gas main that is nearing the end of its natural life and needs to be replaced.
"We appreciate this is a busy route and our work will cause some disruption.
"We'll do everything we can to ensure this essential upgrade is completed quickly and with as little inconvenience as possible.
"We'd advise motorists to leave extra time for their journeys during peak times.
"We very much appreciate people's patience and understanding during our work."
