Cadent announces half a million- pound investment in Staffordshire gas network

Jun 2 2023 in your area

Cadent is working with Stoke County Council to complete a major project on the A50 Blythe Bridge Bypass to protect Staffordshire’s gas supply
Over half a million-pound investment programme to replace ageing gas pipe to more durable plastic pipes that will supply energy to 10,000 homes and business
Upgrade helps get the gas network ready for low-carbon hydrogen for greener future

Cadent, who manage the gas network in the West Midlands is beginning a project that sees them invest half a million – pound in the gas network in Staffordshire. The project will ensure a safe and reliable gas supply to nearly 10,000 homes.

Craig Chittem, Cadent’s Lead Delivery Engineer for the project said: “Our job is to keep gas flowing to heat homes, schools, offices and many other buildings in the local area, as well as future-proof the network ready for greener gases like hydrogen.

“During this project we’ll be replacing around 300m Ductile iron pipe with durable plastic pipe that will reinforce the gas network and secure the gas supply for nearly 10,000 homes and businesses.

“It’s a big but vital project and we’re trying to work as quickly and as safely as possible to limit the disruption to the community. We want to thank everyone for their patience whilst we complete these works”.

To reduce disruption, the work on Blythe Bridge will be completed in 3 phases.

After an initial road closure on Monday 12th June to set up the lane closure, the phases will continue as follows:

Phase 1 – Starts Monday 12th June to Friday 30th June. Down to one lane, lane closure both directions
Phase 2 – Starts Saturday 1st July to Sunday 16th July. Lane closure with one lane eastbound on the bypass remaining open
Phase 3 – Starts Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th August. Lane closure both directions, down to one lane

Speeds will be limited to 40mph and the closure will be from the slip road - Lysander Road Jnc A521 to the Tean Roundabout slip road.

There will be a total road closure on Sunday 20th August, whilst traffic management is dismantled.

Customers with questions about the works can contact Cadent Customer Services on 0800 389 8000 or email customercarewm@cadentgas.com

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.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

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