Gas pipes which have been serving Solihull for over 50 years are due to be replaced with work beginning next week.
The project in Warwick Road, Solihull, will see more than 3,000 metres of gas main pipelines – which were installed in the 1970s - being replaced with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.
Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be starting work on Monday 26 January, in Warwick Road. Due to the location of the gas main the work taking place will be carried out using multiway traffic lights to ensure that engineers can work safely.
While Warwick Road will remain open, there will be some impact on neighbouring roads including Wadleys Road, Chadley Close, Silhill Hall Road, Mirfield Road, Buryfield Road, Grange Road, Ashleigh Road, Dunsmore Grove, Heaton Road, Seven Star Road and Broad Oaks Road.
Following consultation with the local highways team, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over a 12-week period from Monday 26 January and Friday 17 April.
Phil Carmichael, Head of Operations for Cadent in the West Midlands, said: Here at Cadent, we have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year.
In this part of Solihull, more than 85 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
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.
We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people can accept this project is essential to maintain a safe gas supply.
Gas stays ON for the duration of the works. 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 these works; 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
