Gas mains in historic St Albans are set for a 21st Century upgrade this summer as National Grid begins work on a £50,000 project to replace pipes in Holywell Road.
The gas pipeline company will start work on Monday 30 July to renew 145 metres of mains stretching from north of Griffiths Way to Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre. Engineers will replace the existing cast iron medium pressure main, with new, durable plastic pipe, which has a lifespan of at least 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.
The work, which is being carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid, is expected to take five weeks.
To ensure the safety of engineers, motorists and other road users, while the work is underway, Holywell Hill will be reduced from four lanes to two – one on each side of the carriageway – between Griffiths Way and Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre. There will be no right turn into Prospect Road; however diversions will be in place. Access to the leisure centre will be maintained at all times.
National Grid Construction Engineer Dilbir Chana said: “This is essential work that will enable local people to continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
“We always try to minimise any disruption caused by our works to the local community. We have worked closely with the local highways authority to plan the work and the necessary traffic management measures, and we have timed the project to coincide with the school holidays when traffic flows are generally lighter.
“We apologise for any inconvenience the mains replacement will cause to residents, businesses and motorists, however, we would appeal to people to bear with us while we complete these essential works.”
To further reduce disruption National Grid is planning to use a state-of-the-art insertion technique in which the new plastic pipe is inserted into the existing iron main, enabling work to be carried out via a number of smaller holes rather than long open trenches.
If members of the public have any queries about this project, they should call Morrison Utility Services on 01462 444940.
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