Gas pipeline company National Grid is advising motorists in Hertford of a temporary road closure in South Street during the New Year while essential gas mains replacement work is underway.
Starting Monday 7 January, South Street will be closed between to traffic between the junctions with Fore Street and Railway Street for four weeks while engineers replace the existing iron mains with new, longlasting plastic pipes.
Motorists will be advised to take the following diversion routes: northbound traffic will be diverted via Fore Street, Market Street and Railway Street; southbound traffic will be diverted via Railway Street, Mill Road, A119 Ware Road, A414 London Road and Fore Street.
Access for delivery vehicles will be maintained for those businesses within the road closure area and South Street will remain open to pedestrians at all times.
The work is being undertaken by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid and is due to be completed by 4 February.
National Grid Operations Design Engineer Edward Johnson said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to local people or motorists. This is essential gas mains renewal work to ensure that local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable supplies for many years to come.
“Safety is our top priority and we have worked closely with the highways authority to put in place traffic management measures that will protect both engineers and road users.”
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.