National Grid will use hi-tech ground-penetrating radar equipment to plan essential gas mains replacement in Kensington, Knightsbridge and Hammersmith in the New Year.

The company needs to replace 5.5km of metal gas mains with new hard-wearing plastic pipes in Brompton Road, Cromwell Road, Talgarth Road and West Cromwell Road, to ensure the area continues to enjoy safe, secure and reliable gas supplies in future years.

Surveying work will be carried out from January 2010 with the digging and mains replacement due to start from late February/early March.

Gas service pipes to properties will also be replaced as part of the scheme. People are reminded that they should always ask to see official identification before letting anyone into their property. For more information and to verify the identity of National Grid workers call 0845 605 6677.

The innovative use of the latest high tech tools will help ensure disruption is minimised. Ground probing radar will survey existing underground mains so that the best work routes can be selected. The new pipes will be inserted into the existing mains, wherever possible, which will minimise the need for excavations.

Work is being carefully planned with Transport for London (TFL) and other local stakeholders. The project should be complete by spring 2011.

Construction Operations Engineer Pat Nathan said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this essential project may cause. However people can rest assured that we will do our utmost to minimise any disruption.”

The work will be carried out by the North London Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and Skanska. Regular updates on the project will be given and people can find out more about the work by calling our helpline on 0800 096 5678.

This work forms part of National Grid’s nationwide mains replacement programme, agreed with the Health and Safety Executive, which involves the replacement of all iron gas mains within 30 metres of buildings.

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For further media information contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations on 07810 853075

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.