Essential work to upgrade one of the oldest sections of gas pipeline in the Stockport area begins in Longhurst Lane, Mellor, on Monday 2 December.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on an ageing section of pipeline which carries gas to heat thousands of homes.
The work is part of an £80m investment this year, which will see more than 420km of pipes upgraded in North West England, including 19km in the Stockport borough.
As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, it will help get the local gas network ready for more cleaner gases, like biomethane.
Nearly 650 metres of pipeline will be upgraded during this work in Mellor. Records show the original was installed in 1938.
Starting near the junction with the Devonshire Arms pub, the work heads back along Longhurst Lane, in six phases of around 100m each. With a pause over Christmas, the plan is to be finished by the end of January.
From 2 December: traffic lights will be used to enable the Cadent teams to work on the pipeline – which is under the road – and keep traffic flowing both ways. This phase will end around 20 December, with roads reinstated and all signs of work removed. While the road stays open during this phase, motorists are advised to allow extra journey time.
From 3 March 2025: due to this section of pipeline being more central to the road, Longhurst Lane will be closed, with a diversion in place. Access will be maintained only for residents, emergency vehicles and other essential services, such as bin lorries. All other traffic will be guided to follow a diversion route agreed with Stockport Council.
[Note: the original plan to begin the second phase of this work on 2 January 2025 was changed, after feedback from the local community. We will now begin this phase of work on 3 March 2025.]
“This part of the network has served the area well for more than 85 years,” said Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West.“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this creates for the local community through roadworks – has got too frequent. 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 are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing as best we can, with access to homes and businesses.
“Unfortunately, due to the location of the existing pipeline, part of this work will include us needing to use traffic lights and the later stages will require a full road closure. We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone’s safety.”
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.
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 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 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.
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
