The scheme to improve gas supplies in Bridgnorth is due to start this month when work begins on a £5 million project to renew some of the old metal mains in the town.
The work will start on 12 May and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. In total more than 12 miles of pipe will be replaced.
Where possible the mains will be renewed using a process called insertion which involves pushing the new pipe through the old one. This method reduces considerably the amount of digging required and lessens the inconvenience caused to motorists and residents.
To keep people informed, leaflets showing the project’s schedule will be distributed to all households in the affected areas. Further copies will be available from the Town Council offices and the library.
Project manager Kevin Williams said: ‘This is a major mains replacement project that is needed to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably. We have planned the work in conjunction with Shropshire County Council and appreciate their help in making sure the job runs smoothly.
I appreciate that this kind of work can cause disruption to residents however it is a short term inconvenience a long term benefit. The new plastic pipe we are laying is very hard wearing and, if undisturbed will last for up to 80 years with little or no maintenance. I can assure the public that this is essential work and we ask the public to bear with us while the job is in progress.’
The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by West Midlands Gas Alliance. The Alliance is a partnership of two companies, National Grid and Morgan Est plc, a major utilities contractor.
The project is part of National Grid’s 30 year programme to improve the safety and reliability of the gas supply network by replacing all metal gas pipes within 30 metres of property.
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For further information contact Jane Taylor, National Grid Communications on 0121 333 2640