Gas pipeline company National Grid is reminding motorists in Watford of temporary traffic lights and junction closures while essential gas mains replacement work is underway in Courtlands Drive.
Temporary traffic signals have been installed in Courtlands Close and Ashfields while engineers replace gas mains under the Courtlands Drive/Courtlands Close/Ashfields roundabout.
Courtlands Drive remains open to traffic, however, the junction between Courtlands Drive and North Western Avenue is temporarily closed. A diversion is in place via Leggatts Way and Gammons Lane.
The work in North Western Avenue and under the roundabout is due for completion at the end of October, when the temporary traffic lights will be removed and the junction between Courtlands Drive and North Western Avenue will be reopened.
Further temporary traffic lights and junction closures will be necessary as work on the £100,000 project continues through Courtlands Drive towards Gammons Lane. It is due for completion by 10 December.
Motorists who use Courtlands Drive as a through-route in and out of Watford are advised to find alternative routes while the works are underway.
National Grid Construction Engineer Dilbir Chana said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to local people or motorists. These are essential works that will ensure residents continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
“Safety is our top priority, however, we appreciate that our works can cause disruption to the road network. To reduce the impact on motorists, the temporary traffic lights are being operated manually at peak morning and evening traffic flows and additional road signs have been erected. We will endeavour to complete the works as quickly as we can and would ask people to bear with us.”
The project, to replace existing cast iron mains with long-lasting plastic pipes, is being carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid and brings National Grid’s total investment in new gas mains in Watford this year to almost £1 million.
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 mains renewal programme developed by National Grid in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.
If anyone has any questions about this project, they should call Morrison Utility Services on 01462 444940.
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For further media information only, please contact Sara Wilcox, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655271.