National Grid, the UK’s largest utility, is investing around £76,000 in renewing 370 metres of gas mains in Rochdale as part of a £94m package of improvements to the North West’s gas supply network.
Simultaneous work to replace cast iron mains with new polyethylene pipe will take place at Smithy Bridge Road/Henry Street, Littleborough, and Kiln Lane, Milnrow. Both projects will begin on 20 July and are due to be completed by the end of August.
Smithy Bridge Road
Work in this area will involve replacing the main in Smithy Bridge Road and renewing some domestic gas supplies in Henry Street.
Traffic restrictions will be in place during the work. Access for vehicles travelling north-west along Smithy Bridge Road to Rose Avenue will continue as usual, but vehicles heading south-east will be diverted along Halifax Road, Albert Royds Street, Milnrow Road (Rochdale), Rochdale Road, Bridge Street, Kiln Lane, Wild House Lane, Milnrow Road (Littleborough) and Smithy Bridge Road. A temporary mini-roundabout will be installed at Rose Avenue to provide a turning point.
Kiln Lane, Milnrow
Mains will be replaced in Kiln Lane, and some domestic and commercial services in Simeon Street will be renewed.
Temporary three-way traffic lights will be in operation at the junction of Kiln Lane, Bridge Lane and Dale Street, Milnrow, to allow single-way traffic in Kiln Lane.
Operations Manager Craig Horrocks said: “The gas pipes which run beneath the streets of Rochdale have served us well but the time has now come to replace them. The new pipes will last at least 80 years once we get them in the ground.
“We have chosen to do this work during the school holidays to keep traffic disruption to a minimum and to avoid the need for traffic lights near the level crossing in Smithy Bridge Road. We will do everything we can to keep traffic moving and also to make sure that local businesses can continue to operate as normal.
“The mains being replaced are a vital part of the local gas supply system. Work will be carried out by Enterprise, working in partnership with National Grid, as part of an investment of over £2 billion a year in National Grid’s gas and electricity networks in the UK.
Craig added: “We apologise for any disruption but we are asking local people to have patience with us during our work. The short- term pain will be followed by a long-term gain – a safe a reliable gas supply system for many years to come.”
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For further media information contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Media Relations on 01926 655372