Essential gas mains replacement work in Northampton

09/01/2009

Gas pipeline operator National Grid is advising road users that temporary traffic lights will be in place on Wellingborough Road, Northampton from Roseholme Road to Adams Road until the end of March, while essential gas pipe replacement work is carried out.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place from Friday 9th January during the replacement of a 700 metre section of gas pipe.  The work is part of a national programme to replace metal mains with new plastic polyethylene (PE) pipes, ensuring the people in the area can continue to take their gas supplies for granted in the future.

Businesses will be open as usual and entrances to the businesses will be maintained at all times.

Gas supplies will only need to be switched off for a short time whilst the new gas pipe is connected.  Every property will be contacted by letter or in person to inform them when this will happen.  Businesses will be contacted in advance to ensure their gas supply needs and cater for delivery requirements.

Work will be carried out by National Grid’s contractors Enterprise, who will be inserting the new pipe into the existing pipe, reducing the time and size of trenches needed, as well as minimising inconvenience to the public and environment.

The project manager,  explained, “We will be working seven days a week and the traffic lights will be manually operated during peak hours as agreed with the local highways authority.

“We realise the impact that some of our work will have on the local community and road users, so every effort has been made to ensure continuous flow of traffic, which will be monitored throughout the programme.  “We ask that road users are patient and work with us, so that we can ensure the gas pipe is laid as quickly and safely as possible.”

Ends

For further information please contact Stephanie van Rosse, National Grid communications on 01455 231131 or 07767 337343. 

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.