Gas Network Improvements in the Pipeline

10/08/2007

Motorists in Cheslyn Hay are being advised that High Street will be closed to traffic between its junctions with Low Street and Landywood from August 12 when work begins on a scheme to replace a gas main.  The work is expected to take around four weeks to complete, during which time traffic will be diverted along Law Street, Cross Street and High Street. 

The work will involve replacing the old metal main with a new hardwearing plastic pipe which, if undisturbed, will last for around 80 years and require little or no maintenance.  The new pipe will help to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to the area.

Dave Garbett, National Grid’s engineer in charge of the project said:  “We have planned this job in conjunction with the County Council to ensure that any traffic disruption is kept to a minimum.  We have had discussions with the bus operators to plan diversions and will work with the traders to ensure that they have access at all times.”

This work is the first of two projects planned for Cheslyn Hay.  A second project to replace around two kilometers of pipe along Station Street and Coppice Lane is currently being planned.  A start date for this work is not yet available.

The work 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 30m of property.  The work 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 Morgan Est plc, a major utilities contractor.

Ends

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

Notes to Editors:


National Grid
National Grid is one of the world's largest utilities, focused on delivering energy safely, reliably, efficiently and responsibly. Our principal interests are in the transmission and distribution of electricity and gas in the UK and US.


We own and operate 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.

We operate the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and own 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.