Mellor, Stockport update: upgrade for old gas pipeline to keep thousands warm for years to come

• Details of essential project to upgrade gas pipeline under Longhurst Lane
• Part of an £80m programme to upgrade ageing gas mains in the North West
• Road closure from 10 March on Longhurst Lane for approx. five weeks
• Increased frequency of maintenance and repairs of this pipeline, installed in 1938, is part of the reason gas network Cadent has decided to take action

Phase two of essential work to upgrade one of the oldest sections of gas pipeline in the Stockport area is set to begin in Longhurst Lane, Mellor, on Monday 10 March.

Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on an ageing section of pipeline which carries gas to heat thousands of homes.

The work is part of an £80m investment this year, which will see more than 420km of pipes upgraded in North West England, including 19km in the Stockport borough. As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, it will help get the local gas network ready for cleaner gases, like biomethane.

Over the course of the work, nearly 650 metres of pipeline will be upgraded in Mellor. Records show the original was installed in 1938.

From 10 March 2025: due to this section of pipeline being more central to the road, Longhurst Lane will be closed, with a diversion in place. Access will be maintained only for residents, emergency vehicles and other essential services, such as bin lorries. All other traffic (including bus routes) will be guided to follow a diversion route agreed with Stockport Council, including discussions with Transport for Greater Manchester and local schools to limit disruption.

[Note: the original plan to begin the second phase of this work on 2 January 2025 was changed, after feedback from the local community. We will now begin this phase of work on 10 March 2025.]

Prior to phase two, last December Cadent completed phase one by replacing a section of pipeline near the junction with the Devonshire Arms pub.

“This part of the network has served the area well for more than 85 years,” said Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West.

“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this creates for the local community through roadworks – has got too frequent. It’s time to call an end to that by replacing these old pipes.

“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 aim to limit our disruption where possible however, due to the location of the existing pipeline, we will need to close a section of Longhurst Lane to ensure we able to complete this work safely.”

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

• Phone: 0800 090 3071
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Cadent Contact Form

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 in the North West

Cadent employs around 1,200 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, 365-days-a-year gas emergency service.