Gas pipes buried deep under roads in St Albans are due to be replaced by engineers from Cadent – the UKs largest gas distribution network.
The project is taking place in Sandridge Road, Upper Culver Road, Spencer Gate, Seymour Road, Watson Avenue, Sandpit Lane, Lancaster Road, Marshall Avenue, and Battlefield Road over the next six months with 4,240 metres of gas main pipelines being replaced with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.
Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over a 26-week period from Monday 22 June until Tuesday 22 December.
Due to the location of the gas main and to ensure the safety of engineers, the work taking place will be carried out in phases and will involve the use of temporary traffic lights.
Access will remain for residents within the work zone.
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 to homes and businesses 24/7, 365 days a year.
In this part of St Albans, 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 create a traffic management plan that will minimise disruption whilst we carry out these essential works. We will be using a mixture of traffic lights and lane narrowing with the aim of keeping traffic moving throughout our works.
I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.
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
