Work to upgrade a gas pipeline in Rochdale Road in Oldham town centre started today (22 July) and is scheduled to last to the middle of August.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on ageing pipes that help distribute gas to heat thousands of homes in the North West.
The pipe, which runs beneath Rochdale Road, across St Mary’s Way, has operated non-stop for around 50 years. While still safe today it needs replacing to ensure an ongoing, uninterrupted supply now and into the future.
Temporary traffic arrangements
Following consultation with Oldham Council’s highways officers, the Cadent team moved into place this morning (22 July) to begin this work. The project is expected to take around four weeks to complete.
All roads remain open, with traffic lights managing the flow of vehicles. Amendments were made to the layout this morning, to improve access for buses to and from the nearby bus station, and to reduce traffic build-up.
Information on bus services
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Highways Network Director, said: “An increase in journey times is expected during the works, including for those travelling on Bee Network bus services.
“Customers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and check the Bee Network website and social media channels for the latest information and advice.
“We are working to reduce delays by adapting signal timings as well as working with Stagecoach to adjust services and run additional buses to limit the impact.”
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 7.5km of pipes in the Oldham area will be upgraded this year, and 420km across the whole of the North West.
Mark Syers, Head of Investment Planning (North West), Cadent, said: “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.
“This includes upgrading our pipelines, particularly those which are reaching the natural end of a long working life, like this pipe under Rochdale Road.
“We know this is a busy road, so we have worked with Oldham Council to agree a week-by-week plan of work, and to keep the traffic management under review.
“We made some quick amendments this morning, which should help buses navigate the work area easier and reduce the level of disruption that was being experienced.”
Contacting Cadent about this project
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.
0797 069 4897
