Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, is preparing to begin essential work to replace ageing gas pipes in Bury St Edmunds.
The project will see 2,540 metres of pipe replaced with brand-new plastic pipes, helping keep local homes and businesses safely on gas for decades to come.
The existing pipes were originally installed in 1950 and have now been working hard underground for more than 75 years.
Work will take place in Newmarket Road, Cavendish Road, Dettingen Way, Robinson Close, Western Road, Gibraltar Close, Blenheim Camp, Dunham Close and Bennett Avenue.
Ahead of work starting, Cadent will hold a public event on Tuesday 11 August between 11am and 1pm. This will take place on Bennett Avenue, on the grass verge separating it from Newmarket Road. The What3Words location is ///Multiple.arranges.emerald.
No appointment is necessary, and people can call in at any point during the event to learn more about the scheme and ask any questions they may have.
The scheme will see old gas pipes decommissioned and replaced with brand-new plastic pipes, which will last for decades and readies the network for the transportation of greener gases, like biomethane.
To allow engineers to carry out the work safely, traffic management will be needed throughout the project. This will include temporary traffic lights on Newmarket Road (A1302), road closures on side roads connecting to Newmarket Road, lane closures and cycle lane closures.
The project is part of a £123million investment this year, which will see more than 395km of gas pipes upgraded across the East of England including 73km in Suffolk.
Diversion routes will be in place and clearly signposted where road closures are required. Cadent will work to complete the project as safely and efficiently as possible, while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Following consultation with Suffolk County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work from Monday 17 August. The project is expected to take 14 weeks to complete, with a permit in place until 30 November.
Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced. Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while, as the property gets connected onto the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.
If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.
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.
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.
0797 404 7450
