An emergency road closure was introduced last night (19 November) to enable the final phases of a major project to upgrade one of Rochdale’s oldest gas mains.
Cadent needs to close A640 Milnrow Road, at the junction with Witley Road, to carry out this work.
We had hoped to do this under temporary traffic lights, but the plan had to be changed yesterday.
The condition of this section of pipeline, and the location where additional work now needs to happen (almost central to the carriageway of Milnrow Road) means the only safe option is to close the road.
The plan is to work on this through the weekend, to ensure the road can be reopened to traffic as soon as possible. In the meantime, diversions are in place and motorists are advised to allow extra time for journeys.
This is the final phase of a project which began in the summer, to replace gas pipelines relied on by thousands of local homes, for heating, hot water, and cooking, as well as commercial and industrial usage.
The scheme is one of many being carried out by Cadent this year, across the North West, through a £75m investment. In the Rochdale Council local authority area alone, over 9.5km of pipe will be upgraded over 12 months.
The technique being used to replace the old pipes means gas remains ON. There should be no interruption to supply.
Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management (North West) at Cadent, said: Our job as the local gas network is to ensure there is a safe and reliable supply of gas to the area, to heat homes, schools, offices and many other types of buildings. More than 80 per cent of homes in Rochdale have gas central heating: our pipelines are how the gas reaches them.
When our pipes reach the natural end of their operating lives, we must replace them and this is what we are doing in Milnrow Road and adjacent streets. I appreciate the work is also disruptive; we will work as fast as we safely can to get this done. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
If you smell gas, do not assume it is related to these works. It may not be and needs to be checked. Act immediately, day or night, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. 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.
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