- Major project starts on 6 January to replace ageing gas pipes in Nottingham’s Sherwood Rise
- Road to be closed in two phases
- Project will keep the gas flowing into the next century
A major gas mains upgrade, running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, is due to start in Nottingham in the New Year.
Local gas network Cadent will be replacing a kilometre of ageing gas pipes in Sherwood Rise, between Gregory Boulevard and Mayo Road. Work is due to start on 6 January and is expected to last for 20 weeks.
Two ageing iron gas mains – one the size of tractor tyre – will be replaced with tough new plastic pipes that will keep gas flowing to the city’s homes and businesses until the 22
nd century.
To keep motorists and workers safe, the road will be closed to through traffic in two stages. During the first phase it will be closed between Pelham Road and Claremont Road. During phase two, Sherwood Rise will be closed between Pelham Road and Gregory Boulevard.
A diversion will be in place via Sherwood Rise, Nottingham Road, Haydn Road, A611 Hucknall Road. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses. Businesses will remain open as usual.
Cadent Authorising Engineer Paul Patrick said: “With over 77% of homes in Nottingham relying on gas to keep warm it’s vital we continue our ongoing programme to modernise the city’s gas network.
“We’ve already replaced 80% of Nottingham’s ageing gas mains and this project is part of a £115 million investment we’re making in the gas networks in the East Midlands and East Anglia this year.
“Unfortunately, owing to the position and size of the two pipes, we can only carry out the work safely under a road closure. We are working closely with Nottingham City Council to minimise any inconvenience to residents and businesses. Once the new pipes are in the ground we won’t need to renew them for 80 years.”
Councillor Adele Williams, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for Adults and Local Transport said: “Cadent Gas are upgrading their mains to ensure Nottingham’s homes will be warm for the rest of the century. We know this work will be disruptive for residents, which is why we’ve been working with Cadent to ensure the works are planned as efficiently as possible.
“The work has been planned for the new year when there are fewer events at The Forest, and clear signed diversions will be in place for local access.”
Sherwood Rise is the second major gas mains renewal project in Nottingham in a year, following a £250,000 project to upgrade Canal Street. It is part of Cadent’s major investment in the city’s gas network which has seen more than 80% converted from iron to plastic mains.
The two pipes were laid when Nottingham was giving the world Ibuprofen and video recorders and The Beatles were topping the charts. Decades later the duo are showing their age and need to be renewed.