An £800,000 scheme to provide safe and secure gas supplies in the future gets underway this week.
The North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, will begin to replace nearly 3km of gas mains in central Rayleigh from Monday (January 19).
The essential project will involve replacing the existing metallic mains with new plastic pipes, which have a lifespan in excess of 80 years. The work forms part of National Grid’s national mains replacement programme.
The route stretches from Down Hall Road to the High Street and ends at the junction of the A127.
Work has been planned in close consultation with local stakeholders including Essex County Council, the police and local businesses, together with bus and taxi companies.
Modern pipe insertion techniques will be used to minimise inconvenience and reduce the need for large scale digging.
Steve Edwards, constructions engineer from the Gas Alliance, said: “This essential work is being carried out in order to improve gas supplies.
“We are working with the local council, residents and businesses to ensure that the work is completed as quickly as possible and with minimum disruption.”
He added: “We are sorry for any delays and inconvenience caused by the works.
“It’s worth remembering that once installed the new pipes will last for a minimum of 80 years.”
The project will be carried out in phases with the first three stages anticipated to last four to six weeks as follows:
- Phase 1: Junction of Hambro Hill into junction of Down Hall Road to junction of Teignmouth Drive.
- Phase 2: Teignmouth Drive to Brooklyn Drive.
- Phase 3: Brooklyn Drive to Deepdene Avenue.
In total, the scheme will take around 12 months to complete. Work in the shopping centre and Bellingham Lane area will take place during the school summer holidays, to minimise disruption.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place for phased periods throughout the course of the project to help manage traffic safely.
Updates on the scheme, including dates and details of further phases, will be provided via the council and local media.
More information on the project can be obtained by calling 0800 096 5678.
ENDS
For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Communications on
07810 853075