National Grid invests £1.5million in Finchley gas mains upgrade

27/04/2009

National Grid is investing over £1.5million in the Finchley area as it carries out an essential upgrade to ensure future safe and reliable gas supplies.

Engineers from the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, are currently replacing approximately 4km of iron gas mains in Finchley.

This essential work involves replacing the existing iron mains with new plastic pipes in Squires Lane, Etchingham Park Road, Park View Road and Long Lane. Work recently got underway in Park View Road and Etchingham Park.

A number of road closures and diversions will be required, and advanced warning and information signs will be installed at all major approaches to the works to help motorists and pedestrians and to reduce disruption.

This project has been planned in close consultation with the local authority, highways department, traffic police and public transport providers to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Construction Operations Manager Michael Morris of the North London Gas Alliance said: “This essential project will provide safe, secure and reliable gas supplies over the coming years. We apologise for any inconvenience our work may cause and would ask people to be patient while the project is completed. The new pipes should last for a minimum of 80 years if they are left undisturbed.”

The work should be completed by April 2010.

This work forms part of National Grid’s mains replacement programme, as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive, to replace all metallic mains within 30 metres of buildings.

If you require further information or advice either prior to or during the works please call our helpline number 0800 096 5678.

ENDS

For further media information only please contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications on 07810 853075

Notes to Editors:

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

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