Essential Bedford gas mains upgrade to begin next week

May 11 2023

Essential work in Midland Road will help keep local residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating
The upgrade will involve a temporary road closure in the town centre, with diversions put in place

Work is set to begin on Monday 15 May to replace ageing gas pipes in Midland Road, Bedford, as engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, take action to secure safe and reliable gas supplies.

The planned activity, carried out in three stages, will involve the removal of the current metallic gas pipe along Midland Road and replacing them with tough new pipes which will last for decades, futureproofing the Bedford network.

Following consultation with Bedford Borough Council, Cadent has agreed to begin this essential work, which will require Midland Road to be closed in one direction between Monday 15 May and Friday 1 September, so that the upgrade can be carried out safely in the following stages:

Phase One - Midland Road will be closed from the junction of Costin Street to the junction with Battison Street from Monday 15 May until Friday 23 June,
Phase Two - Midland Road will be closed from the junction of Battison Street to Prebend Street between Monday 26 June and Friday 21 July
Phase Three - work will then take place in Midland Road from the junction of Rutland Road and Grafton Road between Monday 24 July and Friday 1 September.

Cadent Lead Delivery Engineer, Pete Day, said: “We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year and these essential works will mean that we continue to deliver on that promise.

“We know it’s far from ideal to have any sort of road closure in place in what is a busy area, but we have worked hard with Bedford Borough Council to create a plan that keeps traffic flowing and maintains access for local businesses and residents.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this important work.”

Cadent teams have liaised with local stakeholders and councillors, with information sent to properties within the work area. Gas supply stays ON throughout.

ENDS

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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