Gas pipes, which were originally installed prior to the outbreak of WWII, are being replaced in Chelmsford by engineers from Cadent – the UKs largest gas distribution network.
The project in Broomfield Road, will see 950 metres of gas main pipelines – which were installed in the 1930s – being replaced with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.
Work gets underway on Monday 6 July but will also have an impact on neighbouring streets including Kings Road, Corporation Road, Swiss Avenue, Westfield Avenue and Parkway
Ahead of the work getting underway, residents and business owners in the area are invited to attend a public event to learn more about these essential gas works taking place. The event will give everyone the opportunity to learn more about the necessity for the project and how the work will affect everyone on a day-to-day basis.
Between 11am and 1pm on Monday 29 June, customer teams from Cadent will have a gazebo set up on the grass verge outside Sutherland House at the junction of Broomfield Road and Corporation Road in Chelmsford, for people to call at and learn more about the project.
There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.
Following consultation with Essex County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over a seven-week period from Monday 6 July until Sunday 23 August meaning most of the work takes place during the school summer holidays.
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 a rolling road closure. There will also be a lane closure in Parkway when this phase of work is carried out. When there is a road closure, a diversion route will be clearly signposted.
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 for close to 100 years. It’s now time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
In this part of Chelmsford, more than 70 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.
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
