A major project to improve the gas pipeline network in Market Harborough has begun.
The £2.4 million project, which is expected to take 12 months to complete, will see around 32.2 kilometres of old metal gas mains in the area replaced with new, hard-wearing plastic pipe.
The work will be carried out in several phases with phase one beginning this week in Harborough Road, Stuart Road, Skippon Close, Rockingham Road, Burnmill Road, Main Street, Hillside, Clarence Street, Connaught Road and The Broadway. Further updates on subsequent phases will be issued shortly.
Where possible the new pipe will be inserted into the old one, reducing the need to dig trenches and making the work quicker and less disruptive.
The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by the M1 Corridor Gas Alliance. The Alliance is a partnership of two companies, National Grid and Amec, a major utilities contractor.
Project manager Steve Hughes said: 'This is a major investment to ensure the residents and businesses of Market Harborough can continue to have a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
“Temporary traffic restrictions including lane closures and local diversions will be in operation for phased periods throughout the work, but we will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum and I would ask motorists please to bear with us while we carry out the work.
“Businesses and shops will be open as usual and access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times, but anyone who has a specific enquiry can call the M1 Corridor Gas Alliance on 0845 6000320”.
The project is part of National Grid's 30-year programme to improve the safety and reliability of the gas supply network by replacing all metal gas pipes that lie within 30 metres of property.
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For further media information only contact Carol Lloyd, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655372