New Year ushers in new gas mains for Blackburn

Jan 9 2017 in your area

Work will keep gas flowing for decades to come
Temporary traffic lights, lane closures and road closures will be needed

January will mark the start of a major, six-month project to upgrade gas mains in Blackburn and keep supplies flowing to homes and businesses until the end of the century.

National Grid will be installing brand new gas pipes in A674 Preston Old Road, from Witton Park Arena to Rutland Street.

Work is due to start on Monday 9 January. The existing iron gas mains are reaching the end of their operational life. They will be replaced with tough new plastic pipes that will last for at least 80 years.

To keep staff, motorists and other road-users safe while the work is under way, a number of traffic management measures will be needed. These will include:

a bus lane closure on Old Preston Road
temporary traffic lights in Old Preston Road; the traffic lights will move as work progresses up the road.
Some closures of side roads. These will be clearly signposted, with diversions in place

There will also need to be some work in Buncer Lane, outside properties 161 to 171.

Stephen Murray, Head of Contract, said: “National Grid plays a vital role in keeping people warm. This essential work will mean that local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.

“We are mindful that this is a main route into Blackburn. We’ll do all we can to complete this work as soon as possible and minimise disruption for motorists and residents. We really appreciate people’s patience and co-operation while we carry out this essential work.”

For any enquiries about this work people can contact National Grid’s customer services team on 0161 703 1000. To find out more about how National Grid replaces gas mains and how that affects residents and businesses go to 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.

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

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