National Grid, the UK’s largest utility, is planning to replace 100 metres of low pressure gas mains in Blackburn as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the North West’s gas supply network.
The work will see all metallic mains replaced with modern plastic ones within a specific postcode area. If left undisturbed once in the ground, the new pipes will have a lifespan of around 80 years.
The work to renew the gas mains is part of a national project agreed with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for replacing metallic mains across Britain. In all, the programme will see National Grid renew 15,000km of gas pipe over an eight year period.
The company has adopted a new approach to mains renewal to ensure that all metallic mains in a postcode area are replaced in one visit.
Craig Horrocks, Operations Manager said: “Over recent years, we have sometimes made repeat visits to the same areas to carry out gas mains replacement. In discussion with the HSE, we have now agreed to target selected postcode areas and complete all the renewal work required there.
“This means that our engineers will concentrate on specific areas, replacing several kilometres of gas main over a period of months.”
National Grid is replacing 565km of gas mains in the North West in 2008/9 at a cost of £84m. The North West Gas Alliance – a partnership between National Grid and Balfour Beatty – will carry out 508km of mains replacement. Other contractors and National Grid’s own workforce will carry out the remainder.
Work in Audley Range will be carried out by May Gurney and gets underway on 12 May 2008 and will take approximately eight weeks to complete.
Whilst work is carried out Audley Range will be closed to motorists (access only) at the junction with Accrington Road. A diversion will be in place along Accrington Road, Futhergate, Bottomgate, Copy Nook and Higher Audley Street.
Craig said: “We need to renew these gas mains so that local people can continue to take their gas supplies for granted.
“We hope that people will have patience with us while we carry out this essential work – there will be disruption in the short term, but the end result will be a safe and reliable gas supply.”
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For more media information only, please contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Communications on 07785 290230.