National Grid is replacing 270 metres of gas mains in Rawtenstall as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the gas supply system in the North West.
The company, the UK’s biggest utility, will be replacing old cast iron mains with modern plastic ones which have a lifespan of at least 80 years, if left undisturbed once they are in the ground.
The mains renewal work in Waterfoot is part of a national programme of work developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In all, 15,000km of mains will be replaced across Britain over the next eight years at a cost of around £1.6 billion.
During 2007/8, National Grid spent £85 million replacing 567km of gas mains across the North West – a replacement rate of over two kilometres each working day.
Craig Horrocks, Term Contract Manager said: “In the North West, National Grid owns and operates 36,000km of gas mains which deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses. These mains tend to be concentrated in the areas of greatest population because this is where there is the greatest demand for gas.
“Work by our engineers may cause some disruption to residents and road users but the safety and security of the gas supply system has to remain our top priority.
Work in Burnley Road East gets underway on 7 January 2008 and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
In all, 270 metres of low pressure cast iron main will be replaced plastic pipe in Burnley Road East. While engineers work in Burnley Road East, two-way temporary traffic lights will be in place from outside No. 204 to the junction with Turnpike.
Craig added: “We understand that people get frustrated by work carried out by utility companies but the gas, water and electricity supplies we rely on arrive at our homes through a complicated network of pipes and cables and these have to be maintained.
“We would ask people to have patience with us whilst we carry out these essential works – there may be short term disruption, but it will produce a long-term safe and reliable gas supply.”
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For more media information only, please contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Communications on 07785 290230