National Grid says sorry as roadworks trigger 'hour-long queues'

Engineers have had to excavate part of one of the city's busiest roundabouts - triggering huge delays. Now National Grid has apologised to those caught up in the congestion all across Newcastle and into the city after the scheme got underway at the MFI roundabout.

As reported by StokeonTrentLive the works, which engineers say represented 'emergency repairs', led to a lane being closed off while traffic heading from Basford couldn't continue onto the A53 in the direction of Festival Park - but had to divert onto the A500.

It sparked huge delays all around Newcastle with motorists reporting a delay of around an hour to get from the town centre to the other side of the roundabout. As queues grew Stoke-on-Trent City Council issued an alert on social media urging motorists to plan alternative routes.

READ MORE: Gridlock as 'A53 shut' and lane blocked off on MFI roundabout

READ MORE: BBC forecasts 'heavy snow' for North Staffordshire as Met Office warns of 'wintry hazards'

Now National Grid has told StokeonTrentLive the roadworks will be wrapped up by tonight.

A spokesperson said: "We'd like to thank drivers in Etruria for their patience while we undertake emergency repairs to a cable fault affecting streetlights in the area. In this instance, an excavation was required, so a lane closure is currently in operation.

"We know there's never an ideal time to undertake roadworks, particularly at short notice, but we can confirm that the works will be completed tonight, meaning that traffic will be able to resume as normal before rush hour tomorrow, November 13. We're sorry for the delays that motorists have encountered today."

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE