A large project to replace underground gas pipes in a Devon town has been suspended after roadworks left drivers stuck in traffic for hours.
Wales and West Utilities started the second phase of work in Barnstaple on Monday, but drivers faced long delays in jams around the town.
A spokesman for the company said: "Due to the unprecedented impact on local transport, and with schools due to return next week, we have taken the decision to suspend our works to reduce traffic congestion in the area."
Wales and West apologised for the disruption and said the work would now be "put on hold, and re-planned at a later date following further consultation".
Frank Biederman, Liberal Democrat councillor for the area on Devon County Council, said there was "no plan that is not going to cause disruption" but he was pleased "common sense has prevailed".
He said: "We can put heads together and hopefully come up with something that's workable and get the gas sorted."
The company was replacing gas mains along Sticklepath Hill and Bickington Road, and had agreed a lane closure and one-way traffic system with Devon County Council.
That one-way system was reversed on Tuesday to try to ease the congestion, but major problems continued.
The work was due to run until mid-November but will now be rescheduled.
Wales and West said its work across the wider area would continue as planned.
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Barnstaple Gas Works Halted After Traffic Chaos