AS the closure of one of Hexham’s key connections to the A69 is expected to come to an end tomorrow, the town is bracing itself for yet more traffic disruption.

For Northern Gas Networks held a drop-in meeting on Wednesday night to advise residents of a 16-week programme of pipe replacement work on Gallows Bank – just as Hexham Railway Bridge was being prepared for re-opening after being closed to traffic for six weeks.

Gallows Bank is part of the B6306 and leaves the town via Eastgate, before running up behind Hexham Middle School, and out to Hexhamshire and Slaley.

To allow for a £265,000 upgrade in gas mains, Eastgate is due to be closed for approximately four weeks from July 25.

Access will be maintained for residents and pedestrians but further disruption to traffic is expected to continue until November.

Northumberland County Council confirmed only resurfacing and road marking work was still to be completed on Hexham Railway Bridge and that the structure is due to be re-opened tomorrow – a day ahead of schedule.

Network Rail confirmed on Monday that their maintenance work was complete.