160 year old gas pipe 'retired'

Mar 16 2018 in your area

Underground and largely unseen for 160 years, a section of pipe instrumental in powering Liverpool has been ‘retired’.

The 20-inch-wide Victorian era gas pipe directly under Bath Street has served the city well, but finally reached the end of its life.

Gas network Cadent has replaced the old cast iron pipe with tough, durable plastic.

This will keep energy flowing until at least the end of the century, distributing gas to heat homes, cook meals and power industry.

Leaks found on this section of pipe recently are within safetly limits, but are becoming too frequent for the historic pipe to ensure a reliable supply for much longer.

A spokesman for Cadent said: “The time was absolutely right for us to make a permanent fix to this section of pipe, but it’s still amazing to think it has done what it’s done since 1860. It’s an incredible piece of engineering and a largely unseen piece of Liverpool’s history.”

Cadent is the UK’s biggest gas network. It maintains, repairs and upgrades more than 80,000 miles of pipes, ensuring gas reaches 11 million properties.

It has invested £77.5 million this year upgrading or replacing 310 miles of pipes in the North West, part of a country-wide gas mains replacement programme.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.