Beast is blamed for five-day work lasting 2 months
AGAS company which took two months to complete works originally scheduled for five days have blamed the Beast from the East.
The roadworks finally disappeared from Brabyns Brow, Marple Bridge, much to the relief of commuters.
But Cadent Gas, the company behind the repairs, say the ongoing problem was a legacy of this winter’s cold snaps.
They say the repeated cycle of freezing then thawing ground is thought to be responsible for 12 leaks in three pipes.
This led to the scheduled finish date for the project to be pushed back six times.
A Cadent spokesman said: “The Beast from the East seems a distant memory with temperatures now on the rise, but the residents of Marple have unfortunately been experiencing its effects for a long time.
“Constant freezing and thawing of the ground is a likely cause of 12 leaks we found on three gas mains pipes under Brabyns Brow.
“This is a busy road, right outside the entrance to Marple train station and directly in front of a church.
“We know it’s been frustrating and our work, while essential, has caused disruption.”
Workers first arrived at Brabyns Brow on February 14 for emergency repairs to a gas escape.
Temporary traffic lights were put in place for the work - which was predicted to take until February 19 causing congestion in the area, particularly during rush hour.
Cadent did briefly leave the site for a few days as they believed the repairs complete but more sprung up. But on other days, traffic has tailed back up Station Road towards Marple, along Town Street through Marple Bridge and along Lower Fold in the direction of Compstall.
The repairs also led to a delay in United work in the area.
The Cadent spokesman added: “Our engineers have now fixed all of these leaks, having at times needed to wait for specialist contractors Utilities to sort some of them.
“Good news is that we should be off-site confident that gas is flowing safely and reliably.
“Thanks for your patience and understanding.”