Worcester gas pipes set for replacement after 86 years of service

• Essential work in Worcester will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.
• The scheme involves replacing more than 750 metres of ageing gas mains with traffic management in place throughout.
• The seven-week scheme is scheduled for completion by mid-July

Gas pipes which have been serving Worcester for 86 years are due to be replaced, with work beginning next week. 

The project in Tolladine Road, Worcester, will see more than 750 metres of gas main pipelines – which were installed in 1940 - being replaced with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network. 

Engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, will be starting work on Tuesday 26 May, in Tolladine Road, between the junction with Christchurch Road and the junction with Holly Mount Road and Teme Road. Due to the location of the gas main, the work taking place will be carried out under a road closure with diversion routes in place. 

There will also be work taking place in Christchurch Road between Tuesday 26 May and Monday 22 June as well as Rose Avenue - which will have a junction closure in place at the eastern end (closest to Holly Mount Road) - between 26 May to 8 June. The western entrance to Rose Avenue (closest to the Great Western Business Park) will have multiway traffic lights in operation.

Access remains available to residents throughout the course of these works.

Following consultation with the local highways team, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over a seven-week period from Tuesday 26 May and Monday 13 July. 

Phil Carmichael, Head of Operations for Cadent in the West Midlands, said: “Here at Cadent, we have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

In this part of Worcester, more than 80 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 ensure that we minimise disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works.

We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people can accept this project is essential to maintain a safe gas supply.

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.