Growing demand for gas will see National Grid invest £3.7m in its pipeline network in Rossendale over the next two years.
The company, which is the UK’s largest utility, already supplies around 26,000 homes and businesses in the Rossendale Valley but more and more developments are clamouring for connection to the gas supply network.
To safeguard supplies and meet the new demand, National Grid is to build a new pipeline to bring more gas into the heart of the valley.
The company has been given permission to build new gas pressure control equipment at two sites in Haslingden – one off Grane Road and one on the roundabout near Tesco on Manchester Road.
A new gas pipeline will connect these two sites, allowing National Grid to increase the amount of gas flowing into the network of medium and low pressure gas pipes for delivery to local homes and businesses.
It will also enable National Grid to decommission one of the gas holders at Clough Fold and to bring forward work to replace old iron gas mains in the area with modern plastic pipes.
Work on the construction of the 2.2km pipeline will start in July and will take until January next year to complete. Work on the pressure control equipment is scheduled to start this winter.
For most of its length, the new pipeline will be laid in the grass verge which runs alongside the southbound carriageway of the A56 between Manchester Road and Grane Road. During the work, both lanes will be reduced in width but lane closures will not be necessary. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation while the pipe is being laid along Grane Road. The work has been planned with the local authority and the Highways Agency.
To reduce disruption to road users, over half of the pipeline will be laid using a technique called directional drilling. This reduces the need for open excavation.
David Greenhalgh, Design Engineer said: “This is a significant project for Rossendale. Investment in the area has increased over recent years, leading to us being asked to supply gas to greater numbers of homes, factories and other business premises.
This project will allow us to continue to deliver energy safely, reliably, efficiently and responsibly.”
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For further media information contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Media Relations on 01926 655372