Oldham: gas mains upgrade set to complete two months early

Aug 16 2017 in your area

New October end date for gas mains upgrade in Middleton Road, Royton

Major engineering project will ensure safe and reliable energy supply
Part of 30-year country-wide programme developed with HSE and Ofgem
A major engineering project to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply in Oldham for many generations is now expected to end in October, two months early.

Contractors for Cadent, the UK’s biggest gas network, are working in Middleton Road, Royton, upgrading the ageing, iron gas main with durable plastic pipe that will last until the end of the century.

This project involves the replacement of 2km of pipes. It started in March and was programmed to end in December. But planners are now estimating October for a finish date, as engineers have progressed well, and ahead of schedule.

Letters have recently been sent to residents and businesses to explain traffic management arrangements for the next phase.

From the last week of August, for five weeks, two-way traffic lights will be in place from Lorne Avenue (opposite the water treatment works) to Lee View. Once this is completed, there will be a road closure for four weeks, from Lee View to the junction of Mill Lane/Highlands, with a diversion in place and access for residents only.

Stephen Murray, who heads the gas mains replacement for Cadent, said: “This is a major engineering project, which will ensure customers continue to receive gas ‘on demand’, to heat homes and buildings, cook meals and power industry.

“Our bigger mains pipes are generally underneath roads, which means disruption while we do this work is simply unavoidable. We work very hard to minimise this though, in this case liaising with highways officers from Oldham Council to schedule the most appropriate arrangements for traffic management.”

The work forms part of a 30-year pipe replacement programme, developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and the industry regulator Ofgem.

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.

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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