Work to upgrade some of the oldest working gas pipelines in North West England is taking place this summer in Timperley, Altrincham.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on ageing pipes that help distribute gas to heat thousands of homes.
Records indicate the two pipes being upgraded – one under Manchester Road and one under Park Road – were installed in 1927 and 1931 respectively.
While still safe today, they need replacing to ensure an ongoing, uninterrupted supply – and to bring an end to repairs and maintenance that leads to disruption on the local road network.
In total, around 1,000 metres of old metallic gas pipes will be replaced with tough durable plastic. This is the same length as around 10 football pitches.
The pipes are mostly underneath the roads or footpaths, so the work needs temporary traffic arrangements for the duration of the project.
Temporary traffic arrangements
The teams have been working through July with a single lane closure on Manchester Road, maintaining space for vehicles to travel both ways.
From Monday, 22nd July, the junction with Park Road will also need to be closed, to keep a safe work space.
Traffic can continue to travel up and down Manchester Road, but there will be no turning onto Park Road, or vice versa, until the end of August. A diversion will be clearly signposted.
Why this work is needed now
This is all part of an £80m package of work announced by Cadent in April, as it continues with a 30-year programme to upgrade its older pipes and have the network ready for greener gases.
More than 9km of pipes in the Trafford area will be upgraded this year, and 420km across the whole of the North West.
“This part of the network has served the area well for almost 100 years,” said Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West.
“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this results in for the local community – has got too frequent. We have worked here 10 times in recent years. 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 have worked with Trafford Council to agree a week-by-week plan of work that sees us carry out a significant section of the project in a window of opportunity, when schools are on summer holidays.
“We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing, with access to homes and businesses.
“Unfortunately, due to the narrow nature of Park Road, in relation to where the pipe is, we do need to close this road at the junction with Manchester Road from 22nd July.
“We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone’s safety.”
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.
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.
Contacting Cadent about this project
Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
Phone: 0800 090 3071
Email: [email protected]
Online: https://cadentgas.com/contact-us/contact-form-nw
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.
*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*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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