National Grid makes major investment in Bourne End

12/01/2009

National Grid  is investing over £200,000 to improve gas supplies for local residents and businesses.

Starting today (Monday 12 January) essential gas engineering work is being carried out by National Grid in The Parade and the Marlow Road area of Bourne End which involves replacing the existing gas mains with new plastic pipe.

The project is vital to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply network and will see over half a kilometre of gas mains replaced.

Kevin Wood, construction operations engineer from National Grid said: “The work will improve supplies following a recent gas leak in the area and if left untouched the new pipes should last for at least 80 years.

“We are working closely with the local council, residents and businesses to ensure the work is carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Work on the £222,000 project is due for completion in late April and Mr Wood added: “I would like to thank local motorists and residents for their patience and cooperation.”

The project will be carried out in phases as follows:

Phase 1: Junction of Blind Lane and Marlow Road.
This is due to start on 12 January and is expected to last approximately four weeks.

Phase 2: Junction of Oakfield Road and The Parade.
The work is scheduled to start on 16 February and last approximately four weeks.

Phase 3: Junction of Wharf Lane and The Parade.
The work is set to start on 16 March and last approximately three weeks.

Phase 4: Junction of Cores End Road and The Parade.
The work will start on 6 April and last approximately four weeks.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place for phased periods throughout the course of the project to help manage traffic safely in the area.

Updates on the scheme and traffic management will be provided via the council and local media.

ENDS

For further media enquiries please contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications, on 07810 853075.

Notes to Editors:

National Grid
National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc it owns and operates over 7,300 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

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

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.