The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £700,000 to upgrade the gas distribution network on Lotherton Lane in the Aberford area of Leeds.

The 16-week project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves work to strengthen the gas pipework, to help ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

Work will start on Monday 6 January on Lotherton Lane and will last for approximately 16 weeks.

Due to the complexity of the engineering works involved, and to ensure they can be carried out carried out safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to introduce the following traffic management until the work is completed. The work will take place in two phases:

• Lotherton Lane will be closed at the junction with Copley Lane. This closure will start on Monday 6 January, and will be in place for approximately nine weeks.
• There will be a second road closure on Lotherton Lane to Copley Lane from Sunday 2 February and will be in place for approximately eight weeks.

A clear signposted diversion will be in place during the works, so that motorists can use an alternative route.

It is expected that these works may cause some delays to journey times, so motorists are advised to leave extra time for travel while the road closures are in place.

The work has been carefully planned in conjunction with Leeds City Council.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local residents and businesses to make

customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place beforehand and during the project.

Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, on Twitter @NGNgas and on the NGN Facebook page @northerngasnetworks.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.

Scott Kitchingman, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with Leeds City Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We know that no one likes roadworks but this work is essential and will not only keep the gas supply flowing safely and reliably today, but it will ensure that the network is ready to deliver reliable and affordable green energy in future.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and 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