Residents and motorists in the Bovingdon and Chipperfield areas of Hertfordshire are being advised of a temporary road closure in Bucks Hill, while engineers undertake essential gas mains replacement work.
Gas pipeline company National Grid will begin work on Friday 21 September to replace 630 metres of cast iron mains in Bucks Hill, between Quickmoor Lane and Old House Lane.
To safeguard both engineers and road users, this section of Bucks Hill will be closed to traffic for six weeks while the works are underway. Bucks Hill is used as a route to Watford by some residents in the Chipperfield and Bovingdon areas and a diversion route, via Chipperfield and Kings Langley, has been agreed with Hertfordshire Highways Authority.
While the works are underway, motorists will be advised to drive into Chipperfield and follow Langley Road, Chipperfield Road and Vicarage Lane into Kings Langley. At Kings Langley they should take the A4521 High Street, A4521 Watford Road, A41 Watford Road, Langlebury Lane, and Fir Tree Hill to Chandlers Lane.
The work is being carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid. Engineers will replace the existing iron mains with brand new plastic pipe, which has a lifespan of 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.
Operations Design Engineer Edward Johnson said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to local residents or motorists. These are essential gas mains replacement works which will ensure local residents continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
“Unfortunately, we will need to temporarily close this stretch of Bucks Hill as it is not wide enough to allow traffic to pass safely by while our works are underway. However, we will do our utmost to minimise any disruption and complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”
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.