A co-operative approach and joined up thinking has helped ensure the smooth delivery of improvements above and below a Camden street.

National Grid needed to replace 300 metres of gas mains in West Heath Road, Camden, as part of its ongoing essential programme to replace iron gas mains with new hard wearing plastic pipes. However, Camden Council also had plans to resurface the same stretch of road.

The organisations decided to join forces to avoid any unnecessary disruption caused by digging up the road twice.  National Grid’s work was brought forward so it could be carried out ahead of the planned resurfacing scheme.

National Grid displayed up-to-date messages about its work on electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) to help motorists and reduce traffic congestion.

The mains replacement project was completed earlier this month and Camden Council has now begun its planned resurfacing work.

National Grid has lent its signs to the council free of charge so that road users can continue to receive updates on the traffic situation.

National Grid project engineer Robert Benn, said: “In these circumstances it would have made no sense for us to come and dig up a recently resurfaced road. Inconvenience for locals and additional expense for us would have been the result.

“Camden Council has saved us the cost of resurfacing the road so lending them the signs was a nice way to return the favour. Working together like this is in everyone’s interest and this kind of joined up approach is what National Grid always strives to achieve.”

Councillor Chris Knight, Executive Member for Environment, Camden Council said:   “Working together with the National Grid has been a great result all round. Co-ordinating the work has saved time and money and has been less disruptive for motorists. The signs also help ease congestion in a busy borough like Camden and mean we can ensure road users continue to receive up to date messages about traffic conditions.”

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For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations on 07810 853075

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  

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