Out with the old: Ipswich’s 1950s gas pipes to be upgraded

• Essential work in Ipswich will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating
• Part of £91million programme to upgrade ageing gas mains across the East of England
• Work expected to be completed in eight weeks

Ipswich in the 1950s may be fondly remembered for the fledgling football managerial career of Sir Alf Ramsey, but it was also the time that metallic gas pipes were being laid throughout the town. But after more than 70 years of fantastic service, the time has come for a ‘super-sub’ to take over.

Starting on Sunday 15 February, engineers from Cadent – the UKs largest gas distribution network – will start work to replace 750 metres of metallic gas pipes with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the local network.

The project is part of a £91m investment this year, which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England before the end of March.

The work is being carried out in three phases along Nacton Road, Gorse Road, Landeer Road, Mildway Road, Lindbergh Mayron Way, and Rands Way. There will be a mixture of road closures with diversion routes, and traffic lights in place throughout the course of the work.

Following consultation with Suffolk County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work over an eight-week period from Sunday 15 February to Friday 10 April.

This part of the network has done an outstanding job for a long time, but it is now time for replacement work to take place so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year. — Cadent Project Manager, Dan Wigfell

These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.

We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities to try our best to ensure that we minimise disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works.

While the work has been separated into sections, we will be working as efficiently as possible to complete the work in a timely manner. Whenever we start a new section, we will ensure that any diversions are updated while also ensuring residents have access to their homes.

I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.

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 (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into 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.