April will mark the first phase of a major National Grid engineering project to upgrade gas supplies for residents and businesses in Norwich’s Heartease Estate.
National Grid, in partnership with Morrison Utility Services, will be upgrading 14kms of gas mains. In a phased programme over 12 months, the existing iron mains will be replaced with new, long-lasting plastic pipes that have a lifespan of 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.
The first phase of works will start on 1 April in Witard Road, Witard Close, Hooker Road, Chipperfield Road and Barclay Road, followed by Barclay Green on 13 April and Thurling Plain on 15 May. This phase is due to be complete by mid-July, with the exception of Barclay Road, which will be finished in August.
To safeguard road-users and engineers, temporary traffic lights will be necessary at the junctions of Witard Road with Witard Close, Barclay Road and Paine Road. No other traffic management measures are expected to be required during this phase.
National Grid will be keeping residents updated on the future phases of the project.
National Grid Construction Operations Engineer Julian Yaxley said: “This represents a significant investment in the gas network in Norwich. This project will ensure that residents and businesses in the Heartsease Estate will continue to benefit from safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come.
“Safety is our top priority and we will be working with the highways authority to agree the necessary traffic management measures for each phase of works. We would like to apologise to local residents and motorists for any inconvenience caused by our works and assure people that every effort will be made to minimise any disruption.”
The project forms part of a 30-year mains replacement programme developed by National Grid in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive and the industry regulator Ofgem.
If any member of the public has any queries about the work they should contact Morrison Utility Services on 01462 444940
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For media enquiries please contact Sara Wilcox, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655271