A warm future beckons for Stevenage residents as gas pipeline company National Grid starts work this month to maintain safe and secure supplies to local people for decades to come.
On Monday 14 April the company will begin a six-week engineering project to upgrade half a kilometre of gas mains in Todds Green. The existing cast iron mains will be replaced with new, durable plastic pipes which have a lifespan of 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.
The work is being undertaken on behalf of National Grid by Morrison Utility Services and is due for completion by 26 May. To safeguard both engineers and other road users and ensure the work is completed as quickly as possible it will be necessary to close Todd’s Green to traffic, from the junction with Old Chantry Lane to Fisher’s Green.
Vehicle access will be maintained for Todd’s Green residents from Fisher’s Green, while diversion routes will be in place for all other traffic. Motorists who would normally head north out of Stevenage through Todd’s Green will be diverted via Fisher’s Green Road, Julian’s Road and A602 Hitchin Road. Southbound traffic heading into Stevenage via Todd’s Green will be directed along Chantry Lane and A602 Hitchin Road.
Construction operation engineer Brian Canfield said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to local people or motorists. This is essential gas mains renewal work that will ensure local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable supplies for many years to come. We will do our utmost to minimise disruption to local residents and motorists and to complete the works as soon as we can.”
Members of the public who have any questions about this project should call Morrison Utility Services on 01462 444940.
This work is just one part of a £1 million-plus investment that National Grid will be making in Stevenage’s gas network this year. Starting this month, the company will also be replacing 15kms of gas mains in the town centre and surrounding area.
This project will be undertaken by the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska McNicholas. Residents can find out more about the works by dropping in at an information centre in the town centre, at the rear of the bus station, opposite McDonalds. The centre will be open from 9.00am to 5pm on 16, 17 and 18 April.
The work is part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the gas supply system in eastern England and is a key element of a national, 30-year mains renewal programme developed by National Grid in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.
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For further media information only, please contact Sara Wilcox, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655271.