Work to upgrade some of the oldest working gas pipelines in North West England will take place over 15 weeks this summer in Blackpool.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on ageing pipes that help distribute gas to heat thousands of homes.
Sections are understood to date to 1892 and, while still safe today, they need replacing to ensure an ongoing uninterrupted supply – and to prepare for the introduction of greener gases.
In total, around 1800 metres of old metallic gas pipes will be replaced with tough durable plastic. The pipes are mostly deep underneath the town’s roads – so the work will need temporary traffic arrangements for the 15-week project.
Roads where work will take place include Whitegate Drive, Devonshire Road, Talbot Road, Church Street, Newton Drive, and other roads leading off these.
It’s 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. Nearly 10km of pipes in the Blackpool area will be upgraded in Blackpool this year, and 420km across the North West.
“This part of the network is extraordinary Victorian engineering, but maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption to local community – has got too frequent in recent years,” said Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West.
“Our repair teams have been called out many times in recent years, some of which been the result of gas leaking from joints in the ageing pipeline. Every time, that means unplanned roadworks and disruption to motorists and residents.
“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’ve worked closely with Blackpool Council to agree a week-by-week plan of work, and this will start on 8th July.
“Working seven days a week, we will be finished and offsite in time for Blackpool’s illuminations big switch-on. 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.”
The programme of work, which is subject to change, is as follows:
Traffic arrangements
There will be varying traffic arrangements while the work takes place, all designed to try keep traffic flowing as best as possible. Some will involve traffic lights, and some will involve roads being narrowed, and/or junctions closed. There is likely to be traffic congestion, particularly at busy times. Alternative routes will be signposted.
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.
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
