Major repair works to the utilities network in Hendon are causing traffic misery for motorists.

Temporary traffic lights have been installed at The Quadrant, one of the busiest junctions in the area, as gas and electricity services are upgraded.

Drivers travelling into the area along Church Road, Brent Street, Finchley Lane and Parsons Street have suffered long delays as maintainence teams carry out the work on the gas mains and electricity cables.

A Barnet Council spokeswoman said the emergency gas works are being carried out after a leak was found in the pipes.

She added: “Workers located and repaired a leak but then found a second on the same main that extended the works in to Monday.

“Unfortunately when checking, a further leak was identified on a second main in the same location, and this is currently being worked on.”

A spokeswoman for Morrison Utilities, the support services working on site, said National Grid have been trying to repair the gas leak at the junction since Saturday and the temporary lights are to help control the flow of traffic.

She added the work is expected to be finished by the weekend.

Energy suppliers EDF are also installing new electricity cables along a 120-metre stretch of road from Sunny Gardens Road down Church Road in order to connect four new properties to the network.

An EDF spokeswoman said: “We recognise that any town centre work can be disruptive, especially at this time of year, and are working with the Highways Department to minimise any inconvenience caused by these projects.”

Replacement underground cabling is also being laid down in Sentinel Square to increase supply to surrounding properties.

The EDF spokeswoman said the work was part of a £85,500 investment aimed at “reinforcing the electricity network” in the shopping precinct.

She added: “The investment will also ensure we can meet future demand for electricity in this area of the town.

“We have written to residents and businesses in the affected area to let them know about this essential work and will continue to keep them informed if there are any changes.”

The company is currently liasing with the council’s Highways Department to agree arrangements for the next stage of the project, which will involve installing replacement underground cabling in Finchley Lane.

The council spokeswoman said all works were scheduled to be completed at the beginning of December, although discussions with EDF and Morrisions are on going over proposed future work, which would be on footways and may restrict pedestrian access.

She added: “Consequently there may be a delay in completion or it may need to be adjourned until January.”