National Grid is replacing 2.6 kilometres of gas mains in the Royton area of Bury as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the gas supply system in the North West.
The company, the UK’s biggest utility, will be replacing metallic mains with modern plastic ones which have a lifespan of at least 80 years, if left undisturbed once they are in the ground.
The mains renewal work in the Oldham Road area is part of a national programme of work developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In all, 15,000km of mains will be replaced across Britain over the next eight years at a cost of around £1.6bn.
During 2007/8, National Grid will spend £85m replacing 567km of gas mains across the North West – a replacement rate of over two kilometres each working day.
Neil Johnson, Alliance Manager said: “In the North West, National Grid owns and operates 36,000km of gas mains which deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses. These mains tend to be concentrated in the areas of greatest population because this is where there is the greatest demand for gas.
“Work by our engineers will cause some disruption to residents and road users but the safety and security of the gas supply system has to remain our top priority.
Work in Oldham Road gets underway on 16 July and will take approximately six weeks to complete. In all, approximately 2.6km of medium pressure cast iron main will be replaced with plastic pipe.
While engineers work in Oldham Road, there will be no access into Roman Road and Crompton Street and the bus lane will also be suspended. This section is being completed within the school summer holidays to minimise disruption to road users.
Neil added: “We understand that people get frustrated by work carried out by utility companies but the gas, water and electricity supplies we rely on arrive at our homes through a complicated network of pipes and cables which have to be maintained.
“We would urge people to have patience with us whilst we carry out these essential works – there will be short term disruption, but it will produce a long term safe and reliable gas supply.”
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For more media information only, please contact Jeanette Jackson, National Grid Communications on 07785 290230.