Engineers are using specialist cameras to find the source of a leak on a gas pipe underneath a busy road in Cheadle.
Cadent, which manages the North West’s gas network, was alerted to the issue after a report of a smell of gas around Gatley Road.
Low in volume, the leak has been closely monitored, and a repair scheduled for school holidays to minimise disruption.
In preparation, teams sent cameras into the gas main, which has identified the most likely source as being close to the junction with Cambridge Road.
The Cadent engineers have now started work to dig down to the main, which is beneath the carriageway of Gatley Road.
Traffic lights are being used to keep all roads open and ensure the team can work safely. Gas stays on throughout – there should be no interruption to supply.
Mark Berry, Cadent’s head of customer operations for the area, said:
“These are challenging engineering jobs, in busy traffic areas.
“We work hard to minimise disruption but must put safety first.
“In this case, we’ve been able to use cameras from side roads, to take a look at the underground pipes without impacting traffic.
“Now we’ve located the most likely source, we need to work in the main carriageway.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience as we do this.”
The work is expected to last until at least the end of the week. The pipe is part of the 21,000 miles of mains that feed 2.7 million properties in North West England.
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 the Cheadle 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).