Improvements in the Pipeline

17/04/2008

A major project to improve the gas pipeline network in Quinton is underway.  The project will see the old metal gas pipes running along more than 40 roads being replaced by new, hard wearing plastic pipe.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will cost around
£2.5 million.

Work has started in the Leasowes area and will move towards Hurst Green and Rowley Regis.  

Andy Hardy, West Midlands Gas Alliance project manager said:  “Where possible we will be laying the new pipe using a technique called insertion where the new pipe is pushed into the old main.  This process avoids the need to dig trenches making the job quicker and far less disruptive.

“This is a major scheme needed to ensure residents can continue to have a safe and reliable gas supply.  The work will be a short term inconvenience for a long term benefit.  The new plastic pipe is very hard wearing and, once in the ground, will last for 80 years with little or no maintenance.”

The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by West Midlands Gas Alliance.  The Alliance is a partnership of two companies, 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 only, please contact Jane Taylor, National Grid Communications, on 07785 220647.

Notes to Editors:


National Grid
National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc it owns and operates over 6,800 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

National Grid will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

www.nationalgrid.com