Kirby Road, Walton On The Naze

Upgrading the ageing gas pipes

Cadent manages the local network of underground pipes that carry gas to homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and other buildings, where it is used for heating, hot water and cooking.

• Modernising gas pipes that have been in operation for over a century
• Upgrade will future-proof the network
• Works began on the 23^rd February 2026

Cadent is replacing approximately 800 Metres of gas pipes along Kirby Road. The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of the current metallic gas pipes and installing tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.

Amber Greensmith, Head of Customer Experience at Cadent, said: "We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year and these essential works will ensure we keep that promise here in the East of England.

"We are very conscious of the disruption roadworks cause and hope people understand this is necessary and essential work, to ensure everyone’s safety and maintain a reliable gas supply for your central heating systems.

"We work closely with the council and local Highways Authority to find the best possible diversion, but we must ensure that any route is suitable for all traffic. Sometimes this means that the diversion can appear longer, but that is to ensure traffic continues to flow without causing any further disruption.

I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely, and as swiftly, as possible.

Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.

If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.

Project Summary

Phase 1- Kirby Road at the junction of Vivian Court

Start Date: W/C 23rd February 2026

Duration: 4 Weeks

Traffic Management: Road Closure on Kirby Road

Phase 2- Kirby Road including junction with Vivian Court

Start Date: W/C 16th March 2026

Duration: 1 Week

Traffic Management: 3-way traffic lights

Phase 3- Kirby Road including Vivian Court / Arthur Ransome Way

Start Date: W/C 23rd March 2026

Duration: 1 Week

Traffic Management: 4-way traffic lights

Phase 4- Kirby Road including Vivian Court / Arthur Ransome Way / Cartbridge Close

Start Date: W/C 30th March 2026

Duration: 1 week

Traffic Management: 4-way traffic lights

Phase 5- Kirby Road between Arthur Ransome Way and Butchers Lane

Start Date: W/C 6th April 2026

Duration: 2 Weeks

Traffic Management: 2-way traffic lights

Phase 6- Kirby Road , up to Goulding Ave joining traffic out of Butchers Lane

Start Date: W/C 20th April 2026

Duration: 2 weeks

Traffic Management: 2-way traffic lights

Phase 6- Kirby Road, Butchers Lane, Gouldings Ave & Grove Ave

Start Date: 27th April 2026

Duration: 1 week

Traffic Management: Singular lane access

Phase 6- Grove Avenue

Start Date: W/C 04th May 2026

Duration: 2 weeks

Traffic Management: Singular lane access

Phase 7- Butchers Lane

Start Date: 18th May 2026

Duration: 2 weeks

Traffic Management: TBC