Essential works to repair two leaks found on a gas main under a busy road junction in Kendal should be complete tomorrow (Tuesday 1 March).
Cadent, which manages the local network, has found and fixed two leaks discovered on a pipe that runs beneath A6 Shap Road.
Further investigations and tests will continue through today to confirm that everything is working as it should be.
All being well, the work to reinstate the road should be complete tomorrow morning and the temporary traffic lights moved off from the afternoon.
Kevin Thompson, Cadent’s Customer Operations Area Manager, said: “This has not been an easy job at all, but we have now located and fixed the two leaks on this gas main. The pipe’s about 1.4 metres under the road surface, so we needed to dig big excavations to access it.
“It is the main means by which gas flows to the Kendal area, for central heating, hot water and cooking. I’m pleased we’ve managed to keep gas flowing at all times, with the team constantly checking that no readings were reaching nearby buildings, or causing other safety issues.
“We know this has caused traffic disruption locally, which was exacerbated by other emergency road closures – including one that happened after a road traffic accident nearby. Very frustrating then and we really do appreciate everyone’s patience.
“All being well, the reinstatement teams should complete their work early tomorrow and the traffic lights removed a few hours later, once the road surface is safe to drive over again.”
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’s related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
Cadent in the North West
Cadent operates four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks – North West England, West Midlands, Eastern England and North London.
Its North West network stretches from the Lake District to Crewe and is home to 21,000 miles of distribution pipes (most of them underground) and hundreds of above ground installations. If placed end to end, that amount of pipes would stretch from Cumbria to Sydney, Australia, and back again.
Around £800m will be invested in the North West’s gas network over the next five years. This will maintain safe, secure supplies to homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other sites, as well as support the UK journey to net zero carbon emissions.
Backed by Cadent and many partners, the North West region is set to lead the way in a major shift from fossil gases to hydrogen. Producing only heat and water at point of use, hydrogen is key to the UK’s net zero future and is set to be introduced at volume in the North West during the 2020s (see
www.hynet.co.uk).