Engineers move in to fix gas pipe under A590 in Cumbria

Mar 1 2019 in your area

Earlier overnight investigations identified source of leak to a metallic main directly under A590
Plan agreed that keeps this busy road open throughout the four days of essential work
Ensuring public safety and a reliable gas supply to the local area

Essential work to fix a leak on an underground gas pipe that sits directly beneath the A590 in south Cumbria starts on Monday (4th March).

A plan has been agreed that will keep the A590 open throughout the four days of work, with traffic lights controlling the flow.

Cadent, which manages the North West’s gas mains, carried out two overnight investigations, to pinpoint the source of the leak on the main.

It now knows the gas is coming from a four-inch diameter metallic main, near the junction of the A590 and Park Road, at Swarthmoor.

Cadent has liaised with Highways England, which owns this trunk road, to schedule the work to start after the morning rush-hour on Monday.

“We know this is not ideal, but it is work that needs to be done to ensure public safety and keep a reliable supply of gas to local homes,” said a Cadent spokesman.

“While the leak is not at levels that need worry people – we’ve contained it and it’s being regularly monitored – we have to go in and fix it, before it gets any worse.

“So, we have worked closely with Highways England and agreed that we will start work after the morning rush-hour on Monday. Our lights will be manned from 8am to 8pm and will operate automatically at all other times.”

Gas supplies locally should not be affected.

The spokesman added: “If anyone smells gas while the work is taking place, or at any time, ring 0800 111 999* immediately. The smell may be unconnected to our work, and we would want to send an engineer to check and be absolutely sure.”

Cadent manages a network of more than 80,000 miles of mostly underground pipes that ensure gas reaches more than 11 million customers. This makes it the biggest of the UK’s four gas distribution networks.

*Calls to this number are recorded and may be monitored

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*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.