- Phase One of essential gas mains replacement project in London Road, West Thurrock, successfully delivered
- Work completed three weeks ahead of schedule despite engineering challenges such as having to dig through concrete designed to withstand World War Two air raids
- Praise for innovative one way traffic management system which kept the town moving while work was being carried out
The first phase of a major gas mains replacement project in West Thurrock has been successfully completed – three weeks ahead of schedule.
Precision planning and hard graft have been credited with the work’s early completion with the scheme’s innovative one-way traffic management system also winning praise for keeping the town moving.
Cadent and its contractors worked long hours this summer to ensure that phase one of the project to replace ageing gas mains with new tough plastic pipes was successfully delivered.
The work presented engineering challenges as due to the size and position of the mains being replaced engineers had to dig open trenches to install the new mains. The mains were located deep below the ground and engineers had to dig through reinforced concrete which had been fortified to withstand aerial bombardment by the Luftwaffe in World War Two
Traffic management specialists were drafted in to temporarily change London Road into a one way system to ensure traffic kept flowing while also ensuring engineers could work safely and efficiently in the road.
Work began in late May 2018 and was completed this August – three weeks ahead of schedule.
Cadent Streetworks Specialist Gary Hawkins said “The planning that has gone in to these works has ensured that we kept West Thurrock moving whilst we completed the first phase of our planned essential gas main upgrades in the area.
“The smooth running of this project couldn’t have been achieved without the cooperation and support we received from local business and residents.
He added: “Cadent and its strategic delivery partners tRIIO have worked long hours and in difficult conditions to get the work done ahead of schedule.”
“Now this phase of works is complete the need for unplanned repairs and maintenance will be reduced in the local area which means the risk disruption to local residents and businesses is also reduced.”
The work will help ensure that local residents and businesses keep on enjoying safe and reliable gas supplies for many years to come.
Phase two of the project is scheduled to begin in May 2019.
If anyone has any questions about the work they can contact the project’s Community Relations Team on 0800 389 8261 alternatively they can email info@communityrelations.co.uk for more information.
For 24-hour operational enquiries people should call 0800 096 5678.
ENDS