A project to upgrade over five kilometres of gas main pipeline in Kessingland got underway earlier this week.
The work, which is being carried out in four phases, will see 5,005 metres of tough new plastic pipes replacing ageing iron pipes which were originally installed between 45 and 60 years ago.
The project is part of a £91m investment this year, which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England.
Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be working in Field Lane, High Street, Church Road, Wash Lane, and Windsor Terrace.
Following consultation with Suffolk County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work between Monday 21 July and mid-November.
Due to the location of the gas main, road closures and traffic management will be required for the duration of each phase of the works. An agreed diversion route being put in place and access will be made available to residents throughout the works.
Cadent Project Manager, Dave Caswell, said: This part of the network has done an outstanding job for a very long time, but it is now time for replacement work to take place so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities to try our best to ensure that we minimise disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works. Given the timescale needed for these mains replacements, we agreed that it made sense to complete most of the work during the school summer holidays.
I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.
Due to the nature of the work taking place, there will be times when the gas supply will be interrupted to properties along High Street, Wash Lane, Windsor Terrace, Field Lane, Church Road and Manor Walk. This will be for a short period only. Gas supply is usually restored on the same day it goes off. If you are a resident and your gas supply will be affected as part of this work, our team will contact you directly to deal with any enquiries.
If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.
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.
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