Regeneration plans for Colchester’s historic St Botolph’s Quarter aren’t just being confined to above ground, for next month (February) will see National Grid embark on a 21st Century upgrade of the area’s underground network of gas pipes.
On 11 February, National Grid will begin a £250,000 project to replace more than half a kilometre of cast iron gas mains in St Botolph’s Street, Queen Street and Culver Street East, with brand new, long lasting plastic pipe. The project is expected to take six months.
The work, which will be carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid, has been planned for completion before a major regeneration of St Botolph’s Quarter begins, to minimise disruption to local people and motorists.
The gas mains replacement will be undertaken in three phases:
- St Botolph’s Street (from St Botolph’s Church Walk to Short Wyre Street)
- Queen Street
- Culver Street East
The first phase of the works will start on 11 February in St Botolph’s Street and is expected to take nine weeks. To enable engineers to replace the pipes, which run down the side of the road, St Botolph’s Street will be narrowed and there will be the temporary removal of a pedestrian crossing and some traffic calming measures. However, care has been taken to ensure continued access for all traffic, including buses and lorries.
Construction engineer Ian Leeder said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the local community, businesses 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 have worked with the highways authority to ensure the safety of engineers working on the project, while at the same time maintaining access for traffic along this well-used route in Colchester. We will do our utmost to minimise disruption to local residents and motorists and to complete the works as soon as we can.”
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 or 07768 433211.