National Grid is rolling out a carefully-planned essential upgrade to Bedford’s gas mains as part of an improvement package worth more than £1.9million.
Engineers from the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, will renew 12km of Bedford’s gas pipeline network over the coming year.
The essential work involves replacing iron gas mains with new plastic pipes. Domestic and non-domestic service pipes and gas meters are also being upgraded. Work will be carried out in two phases:
Phase 1: April to June 2009
On 14 April renewal work to replace 1.5km of gas mains will begin near Bedford Blues Rugby Club in Goldington Road, heading towards Newnham Avenue.
Engineers will use temporary traffic lights to protect the working area and temporary footpaths, as the existing footpath will be closed for safety reasons.
The junctions of Goldington Road with Rothsay Gardens, Bushmead Avenue, Howbury Street, Bower Street, Denmark Street, Dudley Street, George Street and Philpotts Avenue will also be closed as work progresses.
Phase 2: June to October 2009
As we approach the junction of Newnham Avenue and Polhill Avenue, four way temporary traffic lights will be installed over four weekends to cross Goldington Road and into Newnham Avenue. Work will then progress into Newnham Avenue, south toward the McDonald’s and cinema areas, with single lane traffic flows in both directions.
When work reaches the junction with Castle Road, Newnham Avenue will become one-way and will be closed to southbound traffic. This phase will see around 1km of mains replaced.
Construction Operations Engineer Kevin Blundell said the work had been planned carefully with the local authorities, police and public transport companies, and diversions would be clearly signposted.
The new plastic pipes will be inserted into the old iron gas mains wherever possible to keep disruption to a minimum. Access will be maintained to businesses and properties throughout the works but parking will be restricted. Engineers will need access to properties either once or twice when service pipes are replaced, but will contact residents in advance to let them know the date and time.
“We are committed to carrying out this work as safely and efficiently as possible,” said Mr Blundell.
“With our careful planning and liaison with key stakeholders we have sought to keep disruption to a minimum. We apologise for any inconvenience our work in Bedford may cause, but the end result will be a safe, secure and more reliable gas supply for the area. Once the new pipes have been installed they will last for a minimum of 80 years if they are left undisturbed.
“I would also like to remind people that they should always ask to see identification before letting anyone into their property.”
The work forms part of National Grid’s national mains replacement programme, as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive, to replace all metallic mains within 30 metres of buildings.
If you require further information or advice about the work please call our helpline number 0800 096 5678.
ENDS
For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications, on
07810 853075