The major £200,000 gas improvement scheme currently underway in Walsall will be entering a new phase next month. At the beginning of April work will move into Bridge Street and continue along Ablewell Street where the old metal gas mains will be replaced with new, hard-wearing plastic pipes.
To enable engineers to work safely various one way systems and diversions will be put in place for two weeks from Sunday, April 5. Bridge Street will be restricted to one way traffic running south east from Lichfield Street while traffic on Goodall Street will be able to travel north east from Freer Street. Diverted traffic will travel via Lower Rushall Street, Lichfield Street and Freer Street.
Steve Mullock, National Grid project manager said: 'This project is replacing several old gas mains that have reached the end of their operational life. The new long-lasting plastic pipe will ensure Walsall town centre continues to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
We have worked closely with Walsall Council's highways department to plan this project. For this phase of the work we will be working extended hours and at weekends to get the job done as quickly as possible. Elsewhere the project is progressing well and is on target to finish by the end of May.'
The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by Enterprise Utilities and is part of a long-term programme of gas network improvements which will see the replacement of all metallic mains lying within 30 metres of buildings.
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For further media information only contact Jane Taylor, National Grid Communications on 0121 333 2640