National Grid and Thames Water are uniting to minimise disruption during a project to replace gas and water mains in Waltham Forest.
The joint working initiative will see the two utilities working side by side to carry out essential work to replace existing gas and water mains and services in the Blackhorse Road area.
The project will be carried out in co-operation with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Transport for London and the emergency services to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
This work will take place between the junctions of Forest Road and Coppermill Lane. Work will also be carried out on connecting side roads, including Hawardon Road, Lloyd Road, Cornwallis Road, Courteney Road, Southcote Road, Tenby Road, Glenthorne Road and Hazelwood Road.
Work will start on Friday 18 July 2009 and will last for approximately four months, coinciding with the school summer holidays when the roads will generally be quieter.
National Grid plans to replace 770 metres of iron gas mains with new hard-wearing plastic pipes. If left undisturbed the new pipes will last for many years and ensure local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies in the future.
If you have any questions about National Grid’s work please call our helpline number on 0800 096 5678. The project is part of National Grid’s national programme of mains replacement, which has been agreed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive. This involves replacing all iron gas mains within 30 metres of buildings.
National Grid will also be renewing domestic and commercial service pipes to properties, which will result in brief interruption of gas supply. The affected properties will be contacted in advance to arrange access to carry out the work. People are reminded that it is important they ask to see official identification from anyone seeking to gain access to their property. For more advice on this call 0845 605 6677.
Thames Water intends to replace worn-out, cast-iron water mains with tough new plastic ones on the northbound carriageway of Blackhorse Road. This will greatly reduce leakage and burst pipes, as well as lessening the need for future repairs and road works. Clancy Docwra will carry out these improvements on Thames Water’s behalf.
Thames Water’s project office is located at The Red House, C/o Thames Water Depot, Lea Bridge Road, London E5 9RJ where you can contact our project team on 0208 923 3299 between 7.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. If you would like to know more about the work, please visit www.thameswater.co.uk/newpipes The Customer Centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0845 641 0011 Please quote your address and reference number TNU2 if you call.
National Grid Constructions Operations Manager Steve Blackburn, said: “This project is a great example of how utility companies can work together to minimise disruption. We always plan our work in close coordination with local councils and other agencies including our fellow utility companies.
“Wherever practical we try to carry out any work planned for the same area at the same time. This ‘joined-up’ approach means any disruption associated with these vital street works can be got out of the way in one fell swoop.”
Tim Owens, Thames Water project manager, said: “We’re pleased to be working together with National Grid as the two of us carry out essential upgrades to infrastructure in Waltham Forest. The less hassle for locals the better in our view – and that’s exactly what we’re achieving by joining forces with our gas colleagues.”
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For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations on 07810 853075