A project to upgrade one of the oldest sections of gas pipeline situated under the A405 in Watford, is set to begin on Monday 20 October. The work will see 66 metres of tough new plastic pipes replacing ageing iron pipes which were originally installed in the 1940s.
The project is part of a £91m investment this year, which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England, including nearly 4km in the Welwyn/Hatfield Borough Council area.
Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be working in Sheepcote Lane and North Orbital Road between Monday 20 October and Friday 14 November.
Due to the location of the gas main, a lane closure will be required for the duration of the works with an agreed diversion route being put in place.
Cadent Project Manager, Justin Gosling, said: “This section of the network has done an outstanding job for well over 80 years, 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.
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.
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.
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 swiftly, as possible.
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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