Engineers working to repair a gas pipeline in Croxteth have found eight separate sections that needed attention.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, issued an update on works that have required the closure of Deysbrook Lane, at the junction with Croxteth Hall Lane, for several weeks.
Specialist steel parts – which wrap around the pipe, to seal them – have been manufactured and are expected to arrive on site over this weekend.
Cadent teams are ready to move in immediately, this weekend, to fit them to the 18-inch diameter pipe. It is expected the work will continue through the week ahead.
Once tested, and once Cadent is satisfied everything is working as it should be, the road can then be reinstated, and the road closure lifted.
Dale Martin, Customer Operations Area Manager, said: “Closing a road is always something we try hard to avoid, but the location of the pipe – it’s right in the middle of the junction – means we had to do that in this case.
“It’s been a challenge first to identify where the leaks are coming from, and then we’ve had to have parts specially manufactured to fit.
“This has meant considerable disruption to traffic.
“We are hopeful we can get everything resolved during this coming week, so that the road can be reinstated and reopened no later than the following Monday [12th February].
“We know it’s far from ideal and I just want to say thank you for everyone’s ongoing patience.”
In announcing the need for a road closure previously, Nick Jerman, Head of Customer Operations at Cadent, explained: “What we’re dealing with here is a pipe that has been operational since the 1940s and the longer-term solution will be for us to replace it. That involves a lot of planning and building it into a wider programme of works – so our priority right now is to ensure the pipe is operating safely. We acted quickly and that made sure nearby residents and passers-by are safe. Now we need to finish the repairs.”
If you smell gas, please do not assume it is related to these works. It may not be and needs to be checked. Act immediately and call the national gas emergency service, day or night, on 0800 111 999. 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.
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