Blackpool: essential upgrade of gas pipe

Apr 19 2017 in your area

Upgrade of 586 metres of medium pressure pipe on Collingwood Avenue
Traffic management in place, access to residents only, and expect delays

The upgrade of a key gas distribution pipe through Blackpool is set to begin next week.

Engineers will set up a traffic management system on Collingwood Avenue as they replace ageing, unreliable cast iron mains with modern, long-lasting plastic ones.

The new polyethylene pipes need less maintenance and are more durable, which means they are much less likely to suffer faults during their minimum 80-year lifespan.

Following careful planning and communications with the local authority (Blackpool Council), the teams from National Grid Gas Distribution will begin work on 24 April. Four-way temporary traffic lights will go up on Collingwood Avenue, at the junction of Newton Drive and Beech Avenue. These will be in place for two weeks.

Then, from 8 May, for 10 weeks, a full road closure will be in place on Collingwood Avenue, between Hollywood Avenue and the junction of Newton Drive. There will be restricted access for residents only and there is likely to be restricted parking available. Letters have been sent to all residents within this road closure area.

Gas supplies in the area should not be affected during the work, which is part of a 30-year, country-wide programme – required by regulators – to replace gas mains.

Stephen Murray, head of contract for National Grid Gas Distribution, said: “This is essential work to ensure people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies, to heat their properties and cook their meals, for at least another 80 years. We have worked very hard to minimise disruption, working closely with the council.

"It is inevitable and unavoidable that there will be some inconvenience while we carry out this work, for which I can only apologise.”

Further information is available from the customer team on 0161 703 1000 / 1010. General information on the gas mains replacement programme is at www.bettergaspipes.co.uk

This press release relates to Cadent work. It does not have Cadent branding on it, due to this press release being published prior to 1st May 2017, when this gas distribution business was part of National Grid’s group of businesses.

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