Work to upgrade one of the oldest sections of gas pipeline in North West England started today (2 Sep), on the A590 in Swarthmoor, Cumbria.
Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on ageing pipes that help distribute gas to heat thousands of homes.
One of the oldest in the North West sits beneath the A590, at Swarthmoor. Records indicate it was installed in 1930, to carry gas to thousands of homes.
While still safe today, it needs replacing to ensure an ongoing, uninterrupted supply – and to bring an end to repairs and maintenance that leads to disruption on the local road network.
Cadent replaced some sections a few years ago, under temporary traffic arrangements that involved keeping the road open, with narrower lanes.
There are a few sections still to complete – which run closer to the centre of the road. These sections therefore require traffic lights, to keep a safe work area.
This work will take place near to the section of road which crosses the railway lines, between Pennington Lane on the outskirts of Ulverston and Park Road in Swarthmoor.
It started today and is scheduled to complete around the middle of October.
The timing was agreed with the National Highways – and coincides with a short window of opportunity where gas demand and supply can be balanced such that gas is available to all throughout.
Why this work is needed now
This is all 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 and have the network ready for greener gases.
More than 12km of pipes in the South Lakeland area and more than 5km in Barrow-in-Furness will be upgraded this year among 420km across the whole of the North West.
“This part of the network has served the area well for almost 100 years,” said Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West.
“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this results in for the local community – 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, we need to occupy one half of the road. We therefore need to use traffic lights to keep everyone safe.
“We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone’s safety.”
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 in the North West
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.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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
