Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, is preparing to carry out a major gas mains replacement project in Ipswich to secure safe and reliable gas supplies to the town.
The scheme will involve the decommissioning of the current ageing metallic gas pipes – which measure 470 metres and date back to 1908 – and installing tough new plastic ones which will last for decades, future-proofing the Ipswich gas 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.
Starting on Monday 5 January, the first phase of the project is taking place along London Road at the junctions of Portman Road and Burlington Road. This section of work will require a full road closure that will be in place. A diversion route will be in place for the duration of this section of work.
Phases two and three of this project will require the use of traffic lights and will run along London Road to the junction of Elliott Street. Other roads affected by these works include Stevenson Road, Benezet Street, Wilberforce Road, and Bulwer Road.
Cadent Project Manager, Gavin Stuart, said: “This part of the network has done an outstanding job for a very long time, but it is now time for replacement work to take place so that we can continue to deliver gas 24/7, 365 days a year to the local community.
“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.
While the project has been separated into sections, we will be operating as efficiently as possible to complete the work in a timely manner. Whenever we start a new section, we will ensure that any diversions are updated while also ensuring residents have access to their homes.
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 efficiently 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.
*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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