1940s gas pipes to be replaced in Lowestoft Road, Beccles

• Essential engineering work in Beccles will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.
• The scheme involves replacing 3,154 metres of ageing gas pipe over a 17-week period.
• Customer teams will be available at a gazebo event from 11am to 1pm on Tuesday 21 July.

Gas pipes in Lowestoft Road, Beccles, are to be upgraded to new, durable plastic pipes which will future-proof the network for decades to come.

Cadent is set to replace 3,154 metres of ageing gas pipe in and around Lowestoft Road, Beccles, helping to keep local homes and businesses connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.

Residents and business owners are invited to find out more at a public information event between 11am and 1pm on Tuesday 21 July. Cadent customer teams will have a gazebo set up on the grass verge at the corner of Lowestoft Road and Hillside Avenue, near the One Stop shop.

There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.

Alongside Lowestoft Road, the works will also affect Marsh View, Ellough Road, Brick Kiln Avenue, The Spinney, The Uplands, Old Farm Road, Kingston Drive, Oak Avenue, Rectory Close and The Firs.

The project is part of Cadent’s ongoing investment to upgrade older gas mains across the East of England, replacing ageing pipes with modern plastic ones that are more durable and ready for the future.

Following consultation with the Suffolk County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential gas works starting on Monday 27 July with an expectation that they will take 17 weeks to complete, finishing by 16 November.

Due to the location of the gas pipes, engineers will need to work in the road, and a number of traffic management arrangements will be in place to keep everyone safe. These will include various phased road closures during the project, along with temporary traffic lights where required. All traffic management arrangements have been agreed with the local highways authority, with signed diversion routes put in place where necessary.

Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: The gas pipes in this part of Beccles have been working hard for many decades, but it’s now time to replace them so we can continue to deliver gas safely and reliably to homes and businesses.

We know roadworks can be frustrating, but we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum and our teams will be available at the information event to answer questions about the work.

This investment will help make sure the local gas network remains safe, reliable and ready to support the community for decades to come.

Gas supplies remain 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 the property is connected to 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.