Watford gas pipes set for much-needed summer upgrade

• Essential work in Watford will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.
• The scheme involves replacing 237 metres of ageing gas pipe in Cassio Road.
• Works are due to start on Monday 27 July and are expected to last four weeks, with a public event taking place beforehand for residents and businesses to learn more.

Gas pipes buried deep under Cassio Road in Watford are due to be replaced by engineers from Cadent - the UK’s largest gas distribution network.

The project will see 237 metres of ageing gas main replaced with tough new pipes which will last for decades, helping to future-proof the local network and keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes and businesses.

Before work begins, Cadent is inviting people to a public event on Thursday 23 July, between 11am and 1pm, at Cassiobury Park car park, at the end of Gade Avenue. No appointment is necessary, and people can call in at any point during the event to learn more about the project and ask questions.

Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, the work is due to start on Monday 27 July and is expected to take four weeks to complete. The project has been planned for the summer holiday period to help reduce the impact on local traffic as much as possible.

Due to the location of the gas pipe and to ensure the safety of engineers and the public, the work will require a road closure, lane closure and multiway traffic lights at different stages of the project.

Access will remain for residents and businesses wherever it is safe and practical to do so.

Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network have been very well used over the years. It’s now time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas safely to homes and businesses 24/7, 365 days a year.

We know Cassio Road is an important route for people living, working, and travelling in this part of Watford, which is why we have planned the work carefully and arranged a public event before we start.

I would encourage anyone who wants to find out more to come and speak to us at Cassiobury Park car park on Thursday 23 July. No appointment is needed, and our team will be there between 11am and 1pm to explain what is happening and answer questions.

We appreciate that this work will cause some disruption, particularly because temporary traffic management will be needed at different stages, but these measures are essential to keep everyone safe while we complete the upgrade.

I thank everybody for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.

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.