The gas main running underneath the A49 in Hereford is set for a major upgrade, as Cadent begins essential work to replace ageing metallic gas mains with tough, long lasting plastic pipes.
After a number of gas escapes on the main, it has become essential that this work is carried out, to ensure the safety of the public.
The scheme begins on Tuesday 7 April and will help ensure local homes and businesses continue to receive safe and reliable gas for cooking and heating.
This work forms part of Cadent’s wider Mains Replacement Programme, a long-term investment to improve the safety, reliability and sustainability of the UK’s gas infrastructure.
Across the country, Cadent is investing millions to upgrade ageing metallic mains and reduce the risk of leaks, improve resilience and support a cleaner energy future.
Traffic management in place to ensure the safety of the public, road users and engineers:
These measures have been agreed following consultation with Herefordshire County Council, and diversion routes will be clearly signposted. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained throughout.
Craig Chittem, Operations Manager at Cadent said: The metallic pipes in this part of the network have served Hereford well for many decades, but it’s now time for them to be replaced so we can continue delivering gas safely, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Upgrading these pipelines ensures we can keep homes warm and businesses running reliably for many years to come.
These upgrades also bring environmental benefits, reducing methane emissions and helping prepare the network for lower carbon gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
We understand the disruption this causes and we’re grateful for people’s patience. This work is not optional — it’s vital to keep the gas network safe and secure for the whole community.
Gas will remain ON throughout the project. Only properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced will experience a short interruption, and this will be restored the same day. Advance notice and clear information will be provided to all affected customers.
If anyone smells gas, they should always call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately, day or night.
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.
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