Major work to upgrade a gas pipeline Whitchurch, Shropshire – which helps keep thousands of homes warm – is set to begin on Monday 5 January 2026.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on an ageing section of pipeline which runs under the B5395 Chester Road.
This pipe is an essential part of the network which carries gas to a substantial number of local homes, but there will be no disruption to the flow of gas to the area while the work takes place.
The project is part of a £75m investment by Cadent this year, which will see more than 385km of pipes upgraded in North West England.
As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, it will help get the local gas network ready for more cleaner gases, like biomethane.
More than 1,700 metres of pipeline will be upgraded during this work in Chester Road, Whitchurch. Works starts on 5 January 2026 and is likely to extend into May.
For the first phase of work, there will be a lane closure on Chester Road (no left turn from the A49 roundabout onto Chester Road, heading towards Whitchurch). A diversion will be signposted.
Later phases are likely to require traffic lights or a full road closure for periods of time (both directions of travel), with vehicles diverted to take the A49 Whitchurch Bypass and B5476 Tarporley Road.
The decision on whether any full road closures are needed can only be taken once work begins, when the precise location of where the current gas pipeline is under the road can be determined.
Access will be maintained for residents.
Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management at Cadent (North West Network), 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.
We’re carrying out this essential work in Chester Road to replace one of our oldest pipelines in the area.
In this part of Shropshire, more than 85 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.
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.
Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
Phone: 0800 090 3071
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://cadentgas.com/contact-us/contact-form-nw
If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999*. Do not delay, or assume it is related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
Cadent employs around 1,000 people in the North West. It is responsible for maintaining and upgrading more than 21,000 miles of (mostly) underground gas distribution pipes and providing a 24/7 year-round gas emergency service.
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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