High Peak: upgrade for gas main under Peak Forest Tramway Trail

Update (March 2025): Due to unforeseen engineering challenges onsite, our work has taken longer than originally planned. This has proved to be a complex job, requiring specialist engineers. We now plan to have the footpath reopened by 9 April at the latest (earlier if we can). Please accept our apologies - we know the closure is an inconvenience. We are in an unfortunate position of still having no safe means to allow pedestrians to pass our works, while we complete the remaining tasks.

Original text

Essential work is due to begin on 27 January to upgrade a gas main under the Peak Forest Tramway Trail, in High Peak, Derbyshire.

Commissioned in the 1950s, the pipe has been showing signs of its age, with an increased frequency of repairs in more recent years. Each time, this leads to disruption to users of the popular trail near Chinley.

A decision has been taken by local gas network Cadent to upgrade it to a modern, tough plastic pipe. This will ensure the safe distribution of gas to local homes, both in the short and longer term – as more greener, lower carbon gases, such as biomethane, are introduced to the network.

Over six to eight weeks, from 27 January, engineers will install the new section of the pipeline. Once operational, they will abandon the old section. This means gas stays on throughout the work – there should be no interruption to supply while these activities are taking place.

Four-Week Closure of a Section of the Tramway Trail

With open excavations and heavy machinery, this section of the footpath needs to be closed for the first four weeks, to ensure the safety of everyone. Users of the Peak Forest Tramway Trail should therefore be aware that they will not be able to complete the full trail during this time. The section being worked on is close to Harper Cottage, Whitehough.

Cadent invests £80m every year to upgrade its older gas mains in North West England. It will replace around 420km of its underground pipes in the region in the year to March 2024. This includes 7km in High Peak.

For more information about Cadent’s ongoing work to upgrade the local gas network, visit www.cadentgas.com/nw4.