National Grid and Thames Water are working together to keep traffic flowing while they replace gas and water mains in Tower Hill.
The utilities are working side-by-side in Minories, covering trenches with tough plastic plates so traffic can keep moving while road works continue.
National Grid has had to dig across all three lanes of the busy road to replace 154 metres of old iron gas mains in a month-long project.
Road users faced the frustration of having just one lane open at a time, but the utilities have covered trenches with glass reinforced plastic (GRP) plates to keep two lanes open.
National Grid Operations Manager Simon Brown said “This use of plating is just one example of how National Grid is doing all it can to minimise disruption for road users while delivering vital improvements to the gas network.
“This project has also seen us working alongside Thames Water to carry out work in the same area at the same time. This means that that any disruption associated with the project can be got out of the way in one fell swoop.
“It’s not always practical to use plates to cover trenches but we will always strive to deliver our improvements with a minimum of disruption.”
David Owens, Thames Water’s Chief Executive, said: “Our jam-busting road plates are making Londoners’ lives easier by keeping traffic flowing above the streets while we keep water flowing below them.”
Work has started the in Minories and is due to be completed by early October 2009.
This work forms part of National Grid’s ongoing mains replacement programme agreed with the Health and Safety Executive. This involves replacing all metallic gas mains within 30 metres of properties.
If you would like more information about the project please call the project helpline 01753 872520 during office hours and 01277 814800 outside office hours
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For further media information, contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations on 01926 655372