Gas Works In Walsall

11/01/2008

The major scheme to renew the gas main running along Broadway, Walsall is entering its next phase.

From Monday (January 14) two way temporary traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Broadway and Sutton Road to allow for overnight working.  The traffic lights will be in operation from 7.30 in the evening to 6.30 the following morning.  They will be in place for two weeks. 

In addition, Gillity Avenue will be closed to traffic from the Broadway for two weeks from January 21.  Access will be available from Greaves Avenue and Lake Avenue. 

The work, which is part of a major 18 month project to improve the gas network in Walsall, is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by West Midlands Gas Alliance.  The Alliance is a partnership of two companies, National Grid and utilities contractor Morgan Est plc.

Gas Alliance project manager Stan Best said:  “This is a major project that will help to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply in the town.  We apologise for the inconvenience but are asking motorists to bear with us.  We are replacing the old iron main with a new hard-wearing plastic pipe which, once in the ground, will last for many years with little or no maintenance.”

The project has been planned in close cooperation with Walsall Council, BT and other utility companies.  It is part of National Grid’s 30 year programme to improve the safety and reliability of the gas supply network by replacing all metal gas pipes that lie within 30 metres of property.

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For further media information only, please contact Jane Taylor, National Grid Communications on 0121 333 2640.

Notes to Editors:


National Grid
National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc it owns and operates over 6,800 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

National Grid will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

www.nationalgrid.com