Improvements in the pipeline for Brownhills

16/07/2009


Gas pipeline company National Grid is due to start work this weekend on a project to improve the gas supply in Brownhills. 

On Sunday 19 July work will start on the replacement of an old iron gas main running along Lichfield Road from the junction of Brownhills Road to Chester Road.  The work is expected to take eight weeks to complete and will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the area.

During the work Lichfield Road will be reduced to one way traffic from Brownhills Road to Chester Road and there will be no access into Lindon Road from High Street.  Road closures and diversions will be signposted. 

National Grid project manager John McCabe said:  ‘Unfortunately there is never a good time to carry out work on a road as busy as this one bu we are trying to minimise disturbance by doing it during the school holidays.

'We are aware there might be some inconvenience to motorists, but this work is essential and I would ask the public to bear with us.  The pipe we are laying is made from hard wearing plastic which, once in the ground, will last for around 80 years and will need little or no maintenance.’

The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by West Midlands Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Morgan Est plc, a major utilities contractor.

The project 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.

Ends

For further media information contact Jane Taylor, National Grid Media Relations on 0121 333 2640

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.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.