Oldham: essential gas pipe upgrade

in your area

  •          Upgrade will ensure safe and reliable gas supply to the end of the century
  •          Work co-ordinated around sewer works, to reduce disruption and ensure local access

A major project by National Grid to replace old cast iron gas pipes in Oldham with a modern, tough plastic alternative is set to begin next week (3 April).

The work, along a 2km stretch of Mill Brow, Street Bridge Road and Middleton Road, is part of National Grid’s 30-year programme to replace ageing gas mains.

Teams will be on site seven days a week to complete the work as soon as possible, with the scheme expected to run until December.

Localised road closures, with diversions, will start from 17 April. Initially, Mill Brow will be closed from the junction of Chadderton Hall Road to the junction of Cragg Road. Once this section is complete, the road closure will progress onto Street Bridge Road. While the replacement pipe work is being completed, Oldham Council will take the opportunity to resurface the whole of Street Bridge Road (starting in August).

The work has been coordinated with the local authority and United Utilities, which has recently been working in the same area. The two projects have been planned to reduce disruption by ensuring there is continued access locally for road traffic. Complete road closure would have been required, for a long time, had the two projects run concurrently.

Stephen Murray, head of contract for National Grid, said: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this will inevitably cause, but I hope people will understand that the work is essential and unavoidable. We need to ensure people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come, and reduce unplanned repair jobs. That’s why we are inserting the polyethylene pipes. These are incredibly durable, and will last for at least 80 years.”

Homes and businesses directly affected by this work will receive letters and face-to-face visits, and will receive updates throughout the project. Further information can also be obtained from the customer team on 0161 703 1000 / 1010.

For more information on the gas mains replacement programme, visit www.bettergaspipes.co.uk

This press release relates to Cadent work.  It does not have Cadent branding on it, due to this press release being published prior to 1st May 2017, when this gas distribution business was part of National Grid’s group of businesses.

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Media contacts

Kevin Hegarty

kevin.hegarty@cadentgas.com

07970 694897