Work is underway in Luton to replace 1,300 metres of ageing gas pipe in the London Road area, helping to keep local homes and businesses safely connected to reliable gas supplies.
Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, started work on Monday 1 June to decommission metallic pipes which were originally installed in 1930 and replace them with durable new plastic pipes which will last for decades.
The work is taking place in London Road and Whitehill Avenue, with Mill Lane also affected while the project is carried out.
Temporary traffic lights are currently in place to allow the work to be completed safely. From Monday 27 July, a section of London Road will be closed for six weeks during the school holidays so Cadent can carry out collaborative works with Affinity Water.
Once the school holidays are over, temporary traffic lights will be used again until the project is completed, which is expected by Wednesday 30 September.
Cadent worked with Luton Borough Council to plan the London Road closure to take place during the school summer holidays to help reduce disruption, but road users are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and follow the signed diversion routes.
Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: This work is essential to keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes and businesses in Luton.
We know this is a busy area and that roadworks can be frustrating, but by completing the road closure during the school holidays and working collaboratively with Affinity Water, we are aiming to reduce the overall impact on residents, businesses and road users.
We will keep in regular contact with the highways authority throughout the project and our teams will work as quickly and safely as possible. We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while we complete this important upgrade.
Gas supplies will stay on for most customers while the work is carried out. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced. These properties will be disconnected for a short time while they are connected to the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided directly to those affected.
The project is part of a £123 million investment by Cadent this year, which will see more than 395km of pipes upgraded across the East of England.
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.
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