Birkenhead Road, Meols: Upgrading old gas pipes to keep residents connected for decades to come

    22 August 2025

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    Kevin Hegarty

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    • Details of essential project to upgrade gas pipeline under Birkenhead Road
    • Road closure from 26 August for approx. eight weeks, traffic management in place
    • Future-proofing and limiting repairs to pipeline, installed in the 1930s, is part of the reason gas network Cadent has decided to take action

    Cadent will begin essential work on 26 August to upgrade nearly a kilometre of gas pipeline along Birkenhead Road in Meols, Wirral. The existing pipe, installed in the 1930s, has reached the end of its operational life.

    This upgrade is part of Cadent’s commitment to future-proof the gas network, ensuring it’s ready to support greener, cleaner gases and reduce methane emissions.

    During the year ending 31 March 2026, Cadent plans to upgrade around 385km of pipeline across the North West, including over 40km in the Wirral area.

    Over the eight-week period, engineers will work in segments to replace 896 metres of pipe.

    Temporary traffic lights will be used around the working area and will move along Birkenhead Road as the project progresses. The road will remain open, but residents are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

    Timeline of works:
    • 26 August (2 weeks): Leighton Avenue junction
    • 5 September (2 weeks): Queens Avenue and Greenwood Road junction
    • 16 September (2 weeks): Forest Road and Kings Avenue junction
    • 24 September (2 weeks): Roman Road, Shaws Drive and Bertram Drive junction

    Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management in the North West, said: This is a major project that will guarantee residents living in Wirral receive a safe and reliable gas supply for 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’re working closely with the local council to minimise disruption and are completing the works as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you to everyone for your understanding during this essential upgrade.

    Does gas stay on?

    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.

    Contacting Cadent about this project

    Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:

    Phone: 0800 090 3071
    Email: [email protected]
    Online: https://cadentgas.com/contactus/contact-form-nw

    If you smell gas

    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

    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.

    Future of Gas:

    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.

    *All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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