Essential work to replace gas pipes first installed as World War II came to an end is set to begin in Luton.
Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be replacing 1,195 metres of ageing gas mains in the Hitchin Road area with tough new plastic pipes, helping to keep local homes and businesses safely connected to reliable gas supplies for decades to come.
The work will take place in Hitchin Road, Lynwood Avenue and Stopsley Way. It starts on Saturday 18 July and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.
Engineers will be working during normal weekday hours but will also be working on Saturdays between 8am and 3pm to help progress the scheme.
To keep engineers and road users safe while the work is carried out, phased road closures will be needed on Hitchin Road. The first closure will be from the junction of Lynwood Avenue to the entrance of LBC Community Choices. The second phase will then run from the entrance of LBC Community Choices to the junction of St Thomas’ Road.
Temporary traffic lights will also be in place on Hitchin Road between Lynwood Avenue and Stopsley Way.
Cadent has worked with Luton Borough Council to plan the work and traffic management, 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: These pipes have been safely serving this part of Luton since 1945, the year World War II came to an end, but they now need to be replaced so we can keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes and businesses for many years to come.
We know roadworks can be frustrating, particularly on busy routes like Hitchin Road, and we’re sorry for the disruption this may cause.
Our teams will be working as quickly and safely as possible, including on Saturdays, and we’ll continue to work closely with the highways authority throughout the project.
We’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users 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 Cadent’s ongoing £123million investment to upgrade 395km of ageing gas pipes across the East of England this year.
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*
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