National Grid is investing £1 million to revamp the gas mains of Welwyn Garden City.
The North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, is replacing 3km of iron gas mains with new hard wearing plastic pipes in the town.
Work got underway earlier this month in Bessemer Road between the junctions with Bridge Road East and Broadwater Road. Gas mains will also be replaced in Bridge Road, Bridge Road East and Broadwater Road.
From 12 May 2009, phased lane closures will be needed in Bessemer Road between the junction of Broadwater Road and the junction with the Centrapark industrial area until late July. A diversion will be in place via the A1000, the A414 and the B195. To assist motorists all diversions and closures will be fully signposted.
Wherever possible we will insert the new pipes into the old mains, reducing the need for excavations. We are also inserting mains at the junction of Black Fan Road and Herns Lane. However this work will be on the verge, not the carriageway.
National Grid Project Engineer Vince Doggett, said: “This project has been carefully planned with the local authority and other agencies to ensure it is delivered with a minimum of disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience our work may cause and we are committed to completing it as quickly as possible. Once these new mains are installed they should last for a minimum of 80 years if they are left undisturbed.
“This project represents a major investment by National Grid in the area. It will ensure that local residents and businesses continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies over the coming decades.”
Work on the project is expected to continue until September 2009.
This project forms part of National Grid’s nationwide mains replacement programme, as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive, to replace all metallic mains within 30 metres of buildings.
If you have any queries about the work call our helpline number on 0800 096 5678.
ENDS
For further media information only, please contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications on 07810 853075