The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing more than £30k to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in and around Huddersfield Road, Birstall, Batley.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing almost 250m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes. This will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

Work will begin on Saturday 27 January and is scheduled for completion on Sunday 18 February. It has been planned in conjunction with Kirklees Council to ensure part of the works are completed during the school holidays to cause as little disruption as possible.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to introduce a number of traffic management measures, detailed below:

• On Saturday 27 January, the existing four-way traffic signals will be suspended and will be replaced with temporary four-way signals (manually operated during peak hours) for the duration of the works. Whilst these works are being carried out, a southbound lane closure will be in place.
• From Monday 29 January, there will be a road closure introduced on Brookroyd Lane at the junction of Huddersfield Road. This closure will remain in place until Sunday 4 February.
• From Monday 5 February, a closure will be introduced on Church Road at the junction of Huddersfield Road. Traffic will be able to exit Church Road into Huddersfield Road. This closure will remain in place until Sunday 11 February.

Due to the introduction of traffic management, it is expected that there will be some delay to bus services. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Chris Nevison, Business Operational Leader at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with Kirklees Council to carefully plan these works in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.