National Grid, the UK’s largest utility, is to renew 222 metres of gas pipeline in Wilmslow as part of a £94m package of improvements to the North West’s gas supply network.
On Monday 06 April work will begin at Wilmslow Viaduct adjacent to Bollin Walk and will continue for about seven weeks. Gas supplies to the area will not be affected.
To carry out the work safely a number of traffic management measures have been agreed with the local highways authority.
The eastbound lane of Bollin Walk will be closed to traffic, and sign-posted diversions will be in place. We will be working outside the entrance to Bollin House, but will ensure that access to the office development is maintained throughout the works.
Operations Manager Craig Horrocks said: “The gas pipes which run beneath the streets of Wilmslow have served us well but the time has now come to replace them. The new pipes will last at least 80 years once we get them in the ground.
“We will do everything we can to keep traffic moving while we are working and also to make sure local businesses can continue to operate as normal.”
The mains being replaced are a vital part of the local gas supply system. Work will be carried out by Enterprise, working in partnership with National Grid, as part of an investment of over £2 billion a year in National Grid’s gas and electricity networks in the UK. In the North West alone, £94m will be spent this year on replacing 615km of gas mains.
Craig added: “We apologise for any disruption but we are asking local people to have patience with us during our work. The short-term pain will be followed by a long-term gain – a safe and reliable gas supply system for many years to come.”
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For further media information contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Communications on 07785 290230