Work resumes next week (24 January) to replace ageing equipment that’s critical for the safe movement of gas to heat thousands of homes in Stockport.
Cadent, which manages the town’s gas network, is upgrading and repositioning a ‘governor’ – equipment that manages gas pressures to the local area.
The existing governor, which is near the entrance to McVities, on A6 Wellington Road North, is reaching the end of its safe operating life after 50 years.
Last October, Cadent installed new pipework under the busy carriageway. This was done in school half-term, to minimise disruption.
From Monday (24 January) engineers will be back to install the new governor and decommission the old one. This will take around seven weeks.
The new governor will be housed within a small, garage-like building, on the opposite side of the road, close to the Aldi store. It is one of thousands of similar governors strategically positioned across the 21,000-mile North West network.
How we'll keep traffic flowing while we do this work
Roads stay OPEN both ways.
Week one to week four requires the closure of the southbound cycle lane, while weeks two to six will require the closure of the northbound bus lane also.
There should be no impact to gas supply – gas stays on throughout.
Craig Horrocks, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West), Cadent, said: “This is part of our £800m investment plan, over the next five years here in the North West, to upgrade the gas network and ensure safe, reliable supplies for many years to come.
“With greener gases like hydrogen expected to be with us soon, within a few years now, it’s important we replace and upgrade our older assets. This governor is reaching the end of its safe operating life and we must act to protect local gas supplies. We appreciate everyone bearing with us while we complete this project.”
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 Stockport 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.