An urgent road closure has been put in place in Limbury Road, Luton, as engineers from Cadent repair an ongoing gas escape underneath the carriageway.
Engineers had been called to the location following a report of the smell of gas, but they soon discovered that the ageing pipes were in extremely poor condition and needed to be replaced immediately.
Checks have been made of nearby buildings and Cadent is satisfied everyone is safe. But this urgent work must happen now to make sure it stays that way.
Unfortunately, this will cause some travel issues in the area. Following discussions with the Highways Authority, diversion routes have been put in place, but motorists are advised to leave extra time when making their journeys.
Engineers will be working in Limbury Road near to the junction with Marsh Road where there is also a lane closure in operation with traffic management in place.
Richard Davies, Cadent’s Customer Operations Area Manager for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, said: “We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year and as part of this promise we do have to carry out planned and emergency work when needed.
“On this occasion, our engineers quickly realised that the ageing pipe could not be repaired and that a replacement would be the most appropriate course of action.
We are very conscious of the disruption roadworks cause and are in regular contact with the Highways Authority to keep them updated on our work which we will always complete as quickly and as safely as we can."
There should be no impact on the gas supply – gas stays ON during the work.
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.
ENDS
*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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*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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