Motorists in Suffolk are being reminded of upcoming gas mains replacement works in January which will have an impact on their journey along the A12 near Woodbridge.
The planned activity along the A12 involves the decommissioning of the current metallic gas pipes – which measure 1500 metres and were originally installed over 65 years ago - and installing tough new plastic pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the local network.
As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, it will also help get the local gas network ready for more cleaner gases, like biomethane.
Due to the complex nature of the work – which will be carried out in two phases – and the location of gas pipes underneath the A12, there will be a requirement for overnight road closures, lane restrictions, and other traffic management measures. Where diversions are required, these will be clearly signposted.
The first overnight road closures will take place on the A12 between 8pm and 5am on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026. The closure will be in place from approximately 500m southbound from the Ufford Road turning to the roundabout with Wood Lane. The closure will allow the narrowing of the carriageway, installation of a concrete barrier, and a speed limit reduction to 30mph. These measures will remain in place for the duration of the first phase of the work which is expected to run until May 2026.
A second set of overnight closures of the A12 is scheduled to take place on Saturday 2, Sunday 3, and Monday 4 May 2026. These closures will see the removal of the traffic management put in place for phase one of the programme of works and the installation of new measures for phase two. This will see the closure of the left-hand lane of the dual carriageway running southbound from the Woods Lane Roundabout to approximately 25 metres after the junction with Haugh Lane. These measures will be in place until Sunday 6 June when a third overnight closure will take place to safely remove them.
Cadent has already been in contact with stakeholders who could be affected by these works, including local parish and town councils, and Sizewell C nuclear power station.
Cadent Project Manager, Aaron Viles, 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 safely.
“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 apologise for any inconvenience experienced as we complete this important work and 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.
Despite the large project taking place, we plan for the gas supply to remain uninterrupted to homes and businesses in the area.
The event also acts as a timely reminder that 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 planned works; 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*
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