Note: follow this link for the latest update on this project - published 10th May 2023
Major work will start on Sunday (26 February) to install a new section of gas pipeline under the A6 Blackrod Bypass, Bolton.
This is to satisfy demand from a new power generation site – which will use gas to create electricity for the local area – as well as a new property development.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has assigned two teams to install around 2,000 metres of new pipe under the A6, between Chorley Road and Station Road. This is the equivalent length of around 20 football pitches.
Three new tough plastic pipes need to be added to the local network; one of which – at 630mm in diameter – is about the same diameter as a large car tyre.
Cadent will also be replacing the ‘governor’ station at the junction of the A6 Blackrod Bypass and Chorley Road with an upgraded station. These governors manage the pressure of gas, to help it move safely on its onward underground journey.
This is major engineering and is expected to last beyond the school summer holidays. All roads are expected to remain OPEN, although there may be a requirement for a brief road closure towards the end of the project.
And gas stays ON throughout – there should be no impact to anyone’s gas supply.
Mark Syers, Head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office North West, said: “While our bread and butter is distributing gas into people’s homes, where it’s used for heating, hot water and cooking, we also supply power generation sites.
“There are times in the UK when as much as 50 per cent of electricity comes from such gas-powered plants. Our job is to ensure that gas can be carried in the volumes needed, and safely. That’s why we need to reinforce our network here in Bolton.
“This is major engineering and has been months in the planning, to ensure it will be done safely and by keeping this road open. The work area will be kept to one side of the two-lane carriageway, with lights managing the safe flow of traffic around it.
“We know this will inevitably cause congestion, but hope people understand why it’s essential to get it completed. We will keep everyone updated as we progress.
“Installing the new pipe also helps future-proof this part of the network, helping to ensure it’s ready to distribute hydrogen when that starts to arrive in the North West soon. Hydrogen is key to securing a net zero energy future.”
Advance warning signs are due in situ, while customer teams have sent out information to properties in the immediate area around the works, as well as visited most to explain what is happening. All businesses remain OPEN.
Contacting Cadent about this project
Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
Phone: 0800 090 3071
Email:
CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com
Online:
https://cadentgas.com/contact-us/contact-form-nw
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 Bolton 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.