A project to upgrade 1,000 metres of ageing gas main pipelines in Bury St Edmunds, will get underway in the new year.
The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of current metallic gas pipes – which were originally installed in the 1930s - and installing tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.
The project is part of a £91m investment which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England before the end of March 2026.
Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be starting work on Monday 5 January 2026, in Hospital Road before further works will take place in Mill Road South, Chalk Road North, Mill Road, and Chalk Road South.
Following consultation with Suffolk County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over a 15-week period from Monday 5 January and Friday 1 May 2026.
Due to the location of the gas main the work taking place in Hospital Road will be carried out using traffic lights. In other locations, road closures will be put in place while work takes place, but access will remain in place for residents.
Cadent Project Manager, Gary Tidman, 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 Bury St Edmunds, around 80 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
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 the works. 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 these works; it may not be and needs to be checked.
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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