Teams upgrading a stretch of old, underground gas pipe that helps keep thousands of homes warm in the Dalton-in-Furness area gave an update on progress today.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has been working in Market Street since September.
It’s installing a new pipe to end issues with gas pressures, as well remove concerns about there being sufficient gas to meet increasing demand locally.
The work has involved the closure of Market Street to through traffic, with a diversion in place.
Now, the project leads have confirmed they are on track to be away from Market Street – and the road reopened – by the end of November.
“This has been a very challenging project, installing hundreds of metres of new pipe under a busy road,” explained Craig Horrocks, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West), Cadent.
"While our absolute priority is always safety, we know too that our work has caused issues with traffic, given we’ve had to close the road.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience and, unless we encounter any unforeseen issues between now and then, we are on track to have the new pipe in, our excavations filled, and the flags and cobbles reinstated, by the end of the month.
“This is essential work, reinforcing the local network to resolve issues that we’ve started to get concerned about.
"It’s making sure there’s enough gas to meet demand to heat homes in the local area. Increasing demand, and the increasing age of the existing pipe, has meant we needed to get this done as soon as possible.”
Cadent has also been able to accommodate teams from United Utilities in its road closure, meaning two sets of essential works have happened at the same time.
After moving off the main shopping street area, the Cadent teams will remain in the area for several more weeks (likely to be into early 2022) to complete the task.
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).