Croxteth, Liverpool: road closure needed to help engineers repair a gas main

Engineers working to repair a gas pipeline in Croxteth are preparing to close a road junction from Monday (22 Jan).

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has already fixed two leaks on a pipe that runs under the junction of Deysbrook Lane and Croxteth Hall Lane. This has been done with traffic lights managing the flow of vehicles.

But gas readings have remained and the only way now to completely assess and repair the pipe is to do so under a full road closure. This will enable the Cadent engineers to work further into the carriageway, where the pipeline runs.

This means that, from 10am Monday, for the foreseeable future, traffic will not be able to turn on to Deysbrook Lane from Croxteth Hall Lane, and vice-versa. A diversion will be signposted. Croxteth Hall Lane remains open, in both directions.

Nick Jerman, Head of Customer Operations – North West, Cadent, said: “We’ve tried hard to repair and keep the road open, with traffic lights. But we’ve now exhausted that option and need to close the road so that we can work further into the carriageway. I appreciate this is far from ideal, but we need to do what’s right to keep everyone safe and complete the necessary repair. We thank everybody for their patience and understanding.”

Nick added: “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 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.