Work is set to begin on Monday 5 October to replace 650 metres of ageing gas pipes in Hills Road, Cambridge, as engineers from Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, take action to secure safe and reliable gas supplies.
The planned activity will involve the decommissioning of the current metallic gas pipes and installing tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network. The work will take place along Hills Road, from the junction with Cavendish Avenue to the junction of Long Road and Queen Edith’s Way.
Following consultation with Cambridgeshire County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work for eight weeks, starting on Monday 5 October and scheduled to finish on Friday 27 November.
Due to the location of the pipes, various traffic management measures will be in place during the scheme. Temporary traffic lights will be used along Hills Road from the junction of Cavendish Avenue to the junction of Long Road/Queen Edith’s Way for the duration of the work. The cycle lane along this section of Hills Road – between Luard Road and Long Road - will also be closed while work takes place.
There will also be side street closures at the junctions of Hills Road and Glebe Road from 26 October to 14 November, Hills Avenue from 9 November to 29 November, and Cavendish Avenue from 16 November to 29 November, with signed diversion routes in place.
A public event has been organised for Thursday 24 September between 12pm and 2pm at the Hills Road War Memorial, giving residents and businesses the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and ask any questions.
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 past 65 years and it’s time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
“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 are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people understand this project is essential to maintain a long-term safe gas supply. Please do come along and join us at the public event so we can share further information about how these works will affect you.
Due to the nature of the work taking place, there may be times when the gas supply is interrupted to properties in Hills Road. This will be for a short period only. Gas supply is usually restored on the same day as it goes off. If you are a resident or business and your gas supply will be affected as part of this work, our team will contact you directly to deal with any enquiries.
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 this work; 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
