MOTORISTS endured a relatively easy drive to work this morning - knowing it was only a matter of time before road chaos descended.

Cones and diversionary routes were set out on Saturday at the junction between Commandery Road and Sidbury.

Gas pipeline company Transco said it would begin moving in equipment today, signalling the start of a long 10 weeks of motoring headaches.

The drive home this evening was likely to be affected with Worcester City Council warning of delays to traffic entering and leaving the city along Bath Road and London Road.

Transco says it will suspend works in time for the Three Choirs Festival which begins in Worcester on Saturday, August 6.

Temporary traffic lights will be set up and vehicles heading into the city will be diverted along Bath Road to its junction with Command-ery Road.

Traffic heading out of the city will use only the right-hand lane of Sidbury and continue straight ahead into London Road.

The traffic lights are to be switched off at the junction between Commandery Road and Sidbury.

Traffic restrictions will also be put in place in Friar Street, where separate gas main work is taking place along the street.

Transco said it was its intention to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.

They say the work will involve removing the old metal mains and replacing them with new plastic pipe, which will last for around 80 years.

Shops and businesses in the area have warned that they face a loss in trade if drivers avoid the area completely.

One motorist who drives into Worcester each morning said he was relieved that there was no disruption yet.

"I left extra early to get to work this morning but everything was clear," he said. "Unfortunately, I'm sure it won't be so easy during the evening rush hour."