National Grid is replacing 410 metres of gas mains in Woodford Road and Chester Road, Stockport as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the gas supply system in Greater Manchester.
Work on replacing the mains will start on 18 February and will take five weeks to complete.
For the first three weeks of the project, temporary traffic lights will be in operation on the roundabout at the junction of Woodford Road and Chester Road and for the final two weeks of the project, temporary lights will be in place on Woodford Road. This will slow traffic flows through the area, particularly at peak times.
To reduce traffic congestion at the roundabout for traffic travelling along Chester Road from the direction of Wilmslow towards Bramhall, an alternative route will be signed via Moor Lane, Jenny Lane and Woodford Road.
National Grid, the UK’s biggest utility, will be replacing the existing metallic mains with modern plastic ones which have a lifespan of at least 80 years, if left undisturbed once they are in the ground. Where possible, the new plastic main will be inserted inside the existing iron pipe to reduce the need for excavation.
The mains renewal work in Woodford is part of a national programme of work developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In all, 15,000km of mains will be replaced by National Grid over the next eight years at a cost of around £1.6 billion.
To carry out the work in the Greater Manchester area, National Grid has entered into a partnership with Balfour Beatty to form an alliance. During 2005/6, the alliance will replace 385km of mains in Greater Manchester at a cost of £48 million.
Neil Johnson, Alliance Manager said: “In the North West, National Grid owns and operates 36,000km of gas mains which deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses. These mains tend to be concentrated in the areas of greatest population because this is where there is the greatest demand for gas.
“Work by our engineers will cause some disruption to residents, local businesses and road users but the safety and security of the gas supply system has to remain our top priority.
Neil added: “We understand that people get frustrated by work carried out by utility companies but the gas, water and electricity supplies we rely on don’t arrive in our homes by magic. There is a vast network of pipes, mains and cables in place to deliver them to us and these have to be maintained.
“We would urge people to have patience with us whilst we carry out these essential works – there will be short term disruption, but it will produce a long term safe and reliable gas supply.”
For further information, please contact Jeanette Jackson, National Grid press officer on 07785 290230.