National Grid, the UK’s largest utility, is continuing its work to renew 30km of gas mains in Chester as part of a £4.9m package of improvements to the city’s gas supply network.
The company will have an archaeologist on standby when work starts early in the New Year in Upper Northgate Street by the Travelodge. Previous excavations in this area by National Grid and other companies have shown that this area is archaeologically sensitive and so there may be some interesting finds when work gets underway.
The work on Upper Northgate Street will start on Monday 9th January 2012 and will take approximately eight weeks to complete. This programme allows for any archaeological investigation necessary and has been timed so as not to disrupt the holiday period.
Engineers will be replacing old metal pipes with new plastic ones which will last for at least 80 years and ensure local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supply.
This phase of the work will affect Upper Northgate Street and Parkgate Road, from Fountains Roundabout to Countess Way. The section of Upper Northgate Street between Fountains Roundabout and the City Centre will not be affected by these works.
Due to the location of the existing metal pipes, engineers will need to replace these mains under a road closure which will apply to all northbound traffic from Fountains roundabout to Countess Way. At the same time, work will be carried out to upgrade the pipes in Parkgate Road under a one-way traffic management system.
Motorists are warned to expect a build up of traffic and delays at peak times, especially the afternoon peak, and are advised to use the Park and Ride service or to find alternative routes.
In total, National Grid is spending £92m this year on replacing 535km of gas mains across the North West region.
The main roads affected will be:
Fountains Roundabout
Upper Northgate Street from Fountains Roundabout to the George and Dragon pub
Parkgate Road
Fountains Roundabout will see lane closures during off peak hours – before 7am, between 9.30am and 3.30pm and after 6.30pm. Upper Northgate Street will be completely closed to northbound traffic from Fountains Roundabout to the George and Dragon.
Traffic that would normally turn into Upper Northgate Street at Fountains Roundabout to get to Parkgate Road or Liverpool Road will be diverted to use either the A56 Hoole Road or A548 Lower Watergate Street/New Crane Street and Deva link. Traffic will only be able to travel towards the city along Parkgate Road.
Andrew McKelvey, Head of Gas Alliances said: “National Grid’s job is to keep gas and electricity flowing around the country so that when ever we need it – it’s there.
“In Britain we run systems that deliver gas and electricity across the entire country. We hold a vital position at the centre of the energy system. We join everything up.
“We apologise for any short-term disruption our work in Chester will cause but ultimately, the work we are doing will make sure that our gas supply continues to serve us safely, reliably and efficiently for decades to come. It will secure our energy supply for future generations.”
Ends
Contact for media information only:
Jeanette Unsworth
National Grid Media Relations
Tel: 07785 290230
Email: jeanette.unsworth@uk.ngrid.com
Out of hours:
0800 111 999
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on You Tube
Friend us on Facebook
Find our photos on Flickr