Major gas works on Nairn’s High Street have been postponed for a week.
Distribution network company SGN was due to start on the 21-week project today but will now begin on Monday, September 14.
The works will involve the replacement of aging metal gas mains with modern plastic pipes.
SGN said some road closures would be necessary during the project.
It follows work in the nearby Harbour Street area of the town, which was criticised after temporary traffic lights caused major traffic problems last month.
The first phase of the High Street works, between the Gordon Street and Castle Lane junctions, is expected to take three weeks.
A second phase, between Castle Lane and Church Street, is scheduled to take eight weeks.
Phase three, between Church Street and Leopold Street, should take four weeks.
And phase four, between Leopold Street and St Ninian’s High Church, is likely to last for six weeks.
The work will be suspended for Christmas between December 18 and January 5. The hours of working will be 8am to 4.15pm, Monday to Friday, but with extended hours and weekend working “as required to ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible”.
Local businesses will remain open with pedestrian access to be maintained at all times.