▪ Work will keep gas flowing for decades to come
▪ Temporary traffic lights, lane closures and road closures will be needed
January will mark the start of a major, six-month project to upgrade gas mains in Blackburn and keep supplies flowing to homes and businesses until the end of the century.
National Grid will be installing brand new gas pipes in A674 Preston Old Road, from Witton Park Arena to Rutland Street.
Work is due to start on Monday 9 January. The existing iron gas mains are reaching the end of their operational life. They will be replaced with tough new plastic pipes that will last for at least 80 years.
To keep staff, motorists and other road-users safe while the work is under way, a number of traffic management measures will be needed. These will include:
- A bus lane closure on Old Preston Road
- Temporary traffic lights in Old Preston Road; the traffic lights will move as work progresses up the road.
- Some closures of side roads. These will be clearly signposted, with diversions in place
There will also need to be some work in Buncer Lane, outside properties 161 to 171.
Stephen Murray, Head of Contract, said: “National Grid plays a vital role in keeping people warm. This essential work will mean that local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
“We are mindful that this is a main route into Blackburn. We’ll do all we can to complete this work as soon as possible and minimise disruption for motorists and residents. We really appreciate people’s patience and co-operation while we carry out this essential work.”
For any enquiries about this work people can contact National Grid’s customer services team on 0161 703 1000. To find out more about how National Grid replaces gas mains and how that affects residents and businesses go to www.bettergaspipes.co.uk.
Notes to editors - archive
National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world and was named Responsible Business of the Year 2014 by Business in the Community. This accolade acknowledges all of our efforts in getting involve with the things that really matter to us and to society. We own and manage the grids that connect people to the energy they need, from whatever the source. In Britain and the north-eastern states of the US we run systems that deliver gas and electricity to millions of people, businesses and communities.
In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country. In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.
National Grid in the UK:
- We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
- We own and operate the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
- Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 10.9 million homes and businesses
- We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
- National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored).
- Our portfolio of other businesses is mainly concerned with infrastructure provision and related services where we can exploit our core skills and assets to create value. These businesses operate in areas such as Metering, Grain LNG Import, Interconnectors and Property. National Grid Carbon Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Grid. It undertakes Carbon Capture Storage related activities on behalf of National Grid.
Find out more about the energy challenge and how National Grid is helping find solutions to some of the challenges we face at www.nationalgridconnecting.com
National Grid undertakes no obligation to update any of the information contained in this release, which speaks only as at the date of this release, unless required by law or regulation.