A project to upgrade nearly two and a half miles of ageing gas main pipelines in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, will get underway in the new year.
The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of current metallic gas pipes – which measure 3800 metres and were originally installed 90 years ago - and installing tough new pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the local network.
The project is part of a £91m investment this year, which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England.
Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be starting work on Monday 5 January 2026, in Thorley Hill between the junction of London Road and the junction of Thornbera Road. This work will be carried out under the use of traffic lights which will ensure engineers can work safely while also keeping traffic flowing.
There will be several further phases of work taking place in Benhooks Avenue, Havers Lane, Chesfield Close, South Street, South Road, Mazoe Road, Zambesi Road, Shangani Road, Rhodes Avenue, Salisbury Close, Thorley Park Road, Park Lane, and Marlborough Close over the course of the project, which is scheduled to last until July 2026
Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work over a 33-week period from Monday 5 January and Friday 20 July 2026.
Due to the location of the gas main, most of the work can be undertaken using traffic lights, but there will be the need for Havers Lane to be closed between the junctions of Thorley Hill and Elizabeth Road when this section of work is carried out in early March. An agreed diversion route will be put in place and access will be made available to residents throughout this section of work.
Cadent Project Manager, Gavin Stuart, said: “Here at Cadent, we have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year.
“In this part of Bishop’s Stortford, more than 80 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading this pipeline will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
“The technology we use for a replacement project like this means gas stays on throughout, so please do not worry about that.
“These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
“We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities to try our best to ensure that we minimise disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works.
“We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people can accept this project is essential to maintain a safe gas supply.”
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.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored
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.
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.
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