- First phase of a big gas pipe upgrade in Lawford Road finishes early
- Final stage of project to start on Wednesday 6 December
- Project is part of a £65 million investment in the West Midlands gas network
Engineers from local gas network Cadent have completed the first phase of a major engineering project that will keep generations of Rugby residents warm.
The essential work in Lawford Road to replace 1.4 kilometres of existing iron gas pipe (around the size of a large car tyre) under the road with new tough hard-wearing plastic pipe began on Monday 25 September and was due to finish at the end of April 2018.
But with the mild weather conditions, fewer engineering issues than expected and less iron gas pipe to be replaced than originally planned engineers are due to complete the project earlier than expected. The second and final phase of the project will start early on Wednesday 6 December and is due to finish ahead of schedule, by mid-March 2018.
It is part of Cadent’s £65 million programme to renew 370kms of gas pipes across Warwickshire and the West Midlands this year.
Steve Murray, who heads up Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme in the West Midlands, said: “It’s good news for Rugby residents that we’ve completed the first stage of this big project early and we’re on track to finish the whole project earlier than planned. This is a major investment in the gas network in Rugby. We’d like thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital engineering project. We know that there’s been some disruption and we’ll continue to do our best to minimise it.
“With a major project like this it’s vital that we keep everyone safe while we carry out the work and traffic restrictions are needed.”
The final stage will see engineers replacing the gas main on the south side of Lawford Road, between Parkfield Road and Victoria Street.
Lawford Road will be closed to eastbound traffic between Addison Road and Victoria Street. For traffic heading east towards the A426 there will be a signed diversion route.
Work will temporarily stop on Thursday 21 December 2017 and start again on Tuesday 2 January 2018 to avoid disruption for drivers and residents during the busy Christmas and New Year period. Traffic management will still be needed and kept in place during the festive break. Cadent staff will regularly visit Lawford Road to check barriers and signs are in place.
It may be necessary to temporarily disconnect people’s gas supplies for short periods while their gas service pipes (the pipes that take gas from the main in the road to their homes or businesses) are replaced. People will be informed beforehand.
Cadent employees and contractors carry identification. Residents should always ask to see it before letting anyone into their homes.
If anyone has any enquiries about this work they should contact Cadent’s customer services team
0161 703 1000. To find out more about how Cadent replaces gas mains and how that affects residents and businesses go to
www.bettergaspipes.co.uk.