Improvements in the pipeline for Hertford’s gas network

26/08/2008

Next week signals the start of a three-week National Grid engineering project that will help secure gas supplies in Hertford for decades to come.

Engineers are due to begin work on Monday 1 September to upgrade gas pipes in the junction of The Wash and Maidenhead Street. The existing iron mains will be replaced with modern, durable plastic pipes that have a lifespan of at least 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.

The works will extend from the junction with The Wash to 18 Maidenhead Street (Woolworth’s) and will be carried out by Morrison Utility Services on behalf of National Grid. Pedestrian access to Maidenhead Street will be maintained at all times and to safeguard the public the works will be surrounded by fencing.

To ensure the work is carried out safely there will be temporary traffic lights at the junction of The Wash and Maidenhead Street. There will also be no access for delivery vehicles to Maidenhead Street from The Wash. Instead, they will be directed to enter and leave Maidenhead Street via Bull Plain.

Construction Operations Engineer Brian Canfield said: “This is essential work that will enable local people to continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for many years to come. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by our works and assure people that we always endeavour to minimise any disruption to the local community. We have worked with the local highways authority on traffic management measures and we aim to complete the works as quickly and safely as we can.”

If any members of the public have any enquiries about the work they should contact Morrison Utility Services on 01462 444940.

The work is part of a national mains renewal programme developed by National Grid in conjunction with the Health & Safety Executive and the energy industry regulator Ofgem.

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For further information contact Sara Wilcox, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655271

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 6,800 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 will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.