ILFORD drivers are expected to face mayhem this month when a £10m renewal of gas mains gets underway.

The National Grid's work involves replacing 12km of iron gas mains with new hard-wearing pipes.

Some of the new pipes can be inserted into the old ones, but when this is not possible the road will be dug up.

Some lane closures will also be required.

Contractors have started work on the Romford Road and Ilford Hill section, including the A406 slip road, and are due to finish by late July.

The Grid say the work has been planned in close consultation with Redbridge and Transport for London to ensure minimum disruption, but severe traffic problems are still predicted, particularly at busy times.