National Grid will be starting essential gas mains replacement work in Fortis Green next week (Monday 27 July) to take advantage of the reduced traffic in the school holidays.
To ensure this work is carried out safely, Fortis Green will be made one-way westbound from the junction of Summerlee Avenue to the junction of the High Road from Monday (July 27) until early September 2009.
Eastbound traffic, including public transport, will be diverted via routes agreed with the local authorities. All restrictions and diversions will be clearly signposted.
This work forms part of National Grid’s ongoing work in Fortis Green to replace 6km of old iron gas mains with new hard-wearing plastic pipes, to ensure safe and secure gas supplies for local people for decades to come.
Mains are being replaced in Fortis Green, Creighton Avenue, Durham Road, Hertford Road and other surrounding streets. Wherever possible the new mains are being inserted into the old mains to minimise the need for excavations and to reduce traffic disruption. Work began last year and is continuing this summer.
Service pipes to properties are also being replaced. Engineers will need access to properties to ensure safe connection. Residents and businesses will be given advance notice when this work is necessary. People are reminded to ask to see official identification from anyone seeking to gain access to their property. For more information on this call 0845 605 6677.
National Grid Construction Operations Engineer Michael Morris, said: “This work has been carefully planned in close cooperation with the local authorities and other agencies.
“By scheduling this work for the school summer holiday period when the roads are generally quieter we should be able to minimise disruption for residents and road users. We apologise for any disruption our work may cause. Once installed the new mains should provide many years of reliable service.”
This project forms part of National Grid’s national mains replacement programme as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive, which involves replacing all metallic mains within 30 metres of buildings.
If you require further information about the project please call our helpline number on 0800 096 5678.
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For further media information contact, Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations on 07810 853075