Stockport: emergency gas work in Corporation Street

Emergency work is due to begin on Monday morning (11 Nov) to repair a gas pipe that runs deep under a busy road junction in Stockport.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, is investigating the source of a smell of gas, near to where Corporation Street meets Warren Street.

The most likely source is a key distribution pipe which runs directly under this junction – so the road will need to be closed to allow engineers to access it.

From Monday morning, Corporation Street will be closed at this junction, to / from the entrance to the covered car park, at Asda.

A diversion route will be signposted and motorists are advised to allow extra time for any journeys. Access to the car park will be maintained.

Trevor Lubbock, Customer Operations Area Manager for Cadent in this area, said: “We looked at a number of ways to get access to this pipe without disrupting traffic – including using a robotic vehicle that we could insert into the pipe from the footpath.

“However, unfortunately the location just isn’t suitable for that, so we are left with no option other than to excavate in the road. This needs us to close it to traffic.

“We know this is not ideal, but I hope people understand that this is safety-critical work. We need to repair this to keep everyone safe and ensure uninterrupted gas supply. Once we dig down to the pipe – which is about two-metres below ground – we will have a clearer understanding of the repair and how long it will take.”

Cadent will work on the pipe ‘live’ – which means gas stays on, and there should be no interruption to the supply of gas in the local area.

If you smell gas, nearby or anywhere else, always act immediately and call the gas emergency service 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. All calls are recorded and may be monitored.