Gas work set to start in Clare, Suffolk

  • Essential gas mains upgrade starts on 13 July
  • Public drop-in days at the Bell Hotel on 13 and 14 July
  • Temporary traffic lights in Cavendish Road from 13 – 17 July

National Grid is reminding residents, businesses and motorists in the Suffolk village of Clare that essential gas mains renewal work will start in Cavendish Road on Monday (13 July).

Over seven weeks engineers will be replacing gas mains in Cavendish Road, from Harp Lane to Church Street, and then in Church Street itself. The existing iron mains will be replaced by tough, hardwearing plastic pipes that will last at least 80 years.

For the first week of the work – 13 to 17 July – there will be temporary traffic lights in Cavendish Road. Motorists are advised to leave extra time for their journeys, particularly at peak times.

The company will be holding public drop-in sessions on the first two days of the work – 13 and 14 July – 10am to 4pm at the Bell Hotel, on the corner of Cavendish Road and Market Hill. National Grid staff will be on hand to assist with any queries or concerns.

From Saturday 18 July to 17 August, Cavendish Road will be closed to through traffic from Harp Lane to Church Street. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, with vehicle access to properties in Cavendish Road only.

While Cavendish Road is closed to through traffic the following diversion route will be in place: A1092 towards Long Melford, A134 towards Bury St Edmunds, A1302, A143 towards Haverhill, A1017, and then the A1092 towards Clare.

From 10 August, gas mains renewal work will start in Church Street for three weeks. To keep people safe, temporary traffic lights will be in operation.

Andrew Stone, National Grid Operations Interface Manager, said: “It is vital we replace ageing gas mains so local people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies. We have been working with the community to minimize the impact of this work as much as we can.

“We will be working seven days a week to complete this project as soon as possible and we would urge people to bear with us while we carry out this essential renewal.”

Businesses in the town will remain open as usual. Businesses affected by the work may be eligible for compensation for loss of business under the Gas Regulations 1996. Businesses can also find out more by going to www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas.

For information about school bus services or public bus services during the road closure contact Suffolk Passenger Transport on 0345 606 6171 or go to suffolkonboard.com.

To prevent HGVs entering the town, electronic variable message signs will be stationed at key points in the Clare area, warning of the road closure and diversion.

For more information go to ngrid.com/clare or contact National Grid customer services on 0800 096 5678.

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