National Grid is moving on with works to give Manchester’s gas supply network a major overhaul, with phase two of the works on Deansgate about to get underway.
A total of £8.3m is to be invested in replacing 33km of metallic gas mains with modern plastic pipe. Most of the work is being carried out in the Deansgate and Oldham Street areas but also affects a number of the main roads into the city centre including the A580, A56, A6, A5103, A62, A663, A635 and A5093.
The next phase of the work will start on May 29 and will see Deansgate closed for nine weeks between the junctions of St Mary’s Gate, Bridge Street and Bridge Street West to allow engineers to renew a section of medium pressure gas main.
Traffic will be diverted along Blackfriars Street, Chapel Street and New Bailey Street. Separate arrangements are in place for delivery drivers and will be discussed with businesses directly affected by the works.
John Edwards, of the North West Gas Alliance – a partnership National Grid has formed with Balfour Beatty to carry out the bulk of the renewal work in the North West region – explained the need for the work.
“The gas pipes which run beneath the streets of Manchester have served the city well but the time has now come to replace them,” he said. “The new pipes will last at least 80 years once we get them in the ground.”
Engineers have spent over six months planning the work and have already visited offices, shops and businesses in the areas affected to discuss maintaining access during the next stage of the project.
John added: “We will do everything we can to keep traffic moving while we are working and also to make sure local businesses can operate as normal.”
The majority of the mains being replaced in Manchester are large diameter low and medium pressure gas mains. They are a vital part of the gas supply system to the city.
The work is part of an investment of over £2 billion a year in National Grid’s gas and electricity networks in the UK. In the North West alone, £94m will be spent this year on replacing 615km of gas main.
John added: “We apologise in advance 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 and 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