National Grid begins £4m gas pipeline project for Basildon

03/04/2009

National Grid is investing £4m in a new pipeline to provide safe, secure and reliable gas supplies for the Basildon area.

On Monday 06 April the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, will begin work on an essential scheme to replace old gas mains along the A127 with a brand new pipeline.

Engineers will replace 12km of old iron gas pipes between Childerditch Lane and the A130 with a single larger diameter plastic gas pipe, to help guarantee efficient gas supplies to residents and businesses for decades to come.

The majority of work will take place on the eastbound verge of the A127 and on the central reservation. A small amount of work will also take place on the westbound side of the A127.

To carry out these works safely and to minimise disruption to traffic, we will be implementing night-time closures of the outside lane of the A127 in both directions along the route of the works.  There will also be a speed limit of 50mph where we are working, although a 50mph speed limit is already in place along much of the route.

Construction Engineer Andrew Farnfield said all areas affected by the work would be reinstated afterwards, and the project should be complete by April 2010.

“This is a major project to improve a vital part of the gas distribution system so it can provide many years of reliable service for homes and businesses,” he said.

“We apologise for any inconvenience our work may cause but we ask residents and motorists to be patient with us. This is an essential investment in the gas network that will deliver long-term benefits to the community. We have worked closely with the local authority and other agencies to ensure the work is delivered with a minimum of disruption.”

If you have further questions about this project please call our helpline on 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.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.