Andrew Turner/BBC Graham Plant, wearing glasses and sporting a beard and moustache, which is greying. He is wearing a black quilted jacket, and is standing under a street lamp in the evening on a housing estate.Andrew Turner/BBC

Graham Plant said Cadent was already working in the area when another gas leak was discovered under the A143 at Bradwell

A main road leading to a seaside town has been closed after a gas leak was discovered.

Norfolk County Council said gas network operator Cadent discovered a leak under the A143 Beccles Road in Bradwell near Great Yarmouth on Tuesday.

No homes have been evacuated but Graham Plant, the council’s cabinet member for travel, transport and infrastructure, told the BBC he had been led to believe the works could take until Saturday to complete.

Cadent was approached for comment.

Plant said Cadent was already working in the area.

“But they’ve found a further leak at the junction and they’re going to have to spend time digging the road up and getting down to where the problem is,” said the Conservative councillor.

“There’s no danger to people because they can turn the gas off to that but we are trying to clear the area of any current roadworks to make sure drivers are on a clear diversion to make sure people can have as short a journey as possible.”

Andrew Turner/BBC A road sign stating Beccles Road, lit by car headlights. The sign shows white text and border on a green background and the sign is affixed to metal railings. Car tail lamps and headlights can be seen to the right of the image.Andrew Turner/BBC

The A143 links Great Yarmouth and Beccles, but drivers will be sent on a diversion using the A47 and Beaufort Way

The gas leak was found at the junction of Mill Lane and Long Lane.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon: “Unfortunately the issue has escalated and now requires an immediate excavation meaning a full road closure is expected.”

It has suggested the diversion would lead traffic along the A143 to the A146 near Beccles and the A47 east from Norwich.

However, Plant said some traffic would be able to use the B1534 Beaufort Way, which links the A143 to the A47 in Gorleston.