National Grid to invest £700,000 in Enfield gas network

03/04/2009

National Grid is investing £700,000 to deliver a 21st century upgrade to the gas pipeline network in Enfield.

Engineers from the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, are carrying out essential work to replace 1km of iron gas mains with new long-lasting plastic pipes. The work will ensure safe, secure and reliable gas supplies for Enfield in the decades ahead.

Initial work began in Brigadier Hill last month but the majority of work on the scheme begins on Monday (April 6) and will be carried out as follows:

Phase 1: Work will take place at the Brigadier Hill junction with Lancaster Road. New pipe will be installed in Lancaster Road and Chase Side. Brigadier Hill will be closed, except for access, at the junction with Lavender Hill.  Diversions are in place via Gloucester Road and Phipps Hatch Lane, and Glenville Avenue and Browning Road. Work should be completed within three weeks and Brigadier Hill should be reopened by May.

Phase 2: From May work will take place in Lavender Hill. This work is being carried out in conjunction with Enfield Council’s resurfacing programme to minimise inconvenience to local people.

Temporary traffic lights and traffic restrictions will be in place while the work is carried out. To assist motorists and pedestrians the work will also be fully signposted.

Wherever possible the new pipes will be inserted into the old ones to minimise the need for excavations and reduce traffic disruption.

The project includes upgrading gas service pipes to homes and businesses. Engineers will need to gain access to properties to carry out this work and will contact residents in advance to arrange a date and time. Residents are reminded that they should always ask to see official identification before letting anyone into their property.

Work on the project should be complete by September.

National Grid has worked closely with local stakeholders including Enfield Council to ensure the work is carried out as smoothly as possible.

Michael Morris, construction operations engineer from National Grid, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience our work causes.  Once the new plastic mains have been installed they should last for a minimum of 80 years if they are left undisturbed. I would like to thank local motorists and pedestrians for their cooperation and patience.”

The work forms part of National Grid’s national mains replacement programme as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive.

If you require any information or advice in regard to this project please call our helpline number 0800 096 5678.

ENDS

For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications on 07810 853075

Notes to Editors:

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

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