The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £190,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in Wakefield Road, Back Chapel Lane, and Smithy Lane, Moldgreen, Huddersfield.
The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and involves replacing around 350m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.
The 12-week project, which began on Monday 22, is progressing well and has been planned in conjunction with Kirklees Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption as possible.
The first phase of works on Wakefield Road has now been completed, and on Wednesday 28 September works moved to the surrounding side streets, which is expected to take around four weeks to finish.
From Monday 3 October works will take place on Chapel Lane for approximately two weeks, before moving to Old Wakefield Road from 17 October for another two weeks.
During this time, a road closure will be introduced from the junction of Church Street and Old Wakefield Road for two weeks, with a clearly signed diversion route in place for motorists to gain access via Brooke Street.
At the same time, engineers will also be working on the grass banking to the side of Wakefield Road.
After this phase is completed, works will resume on Wakefield Road from Monday 30 October outside the West Mount Veterinary Surgery. In order for engineers to carry out the work as safely and efficiently as possible, lane two of the outbound carriageway of Wakefield Road will be temporarily closed for five days. There will also be a lane closure on lane one of the inbound carriageway and on Smithy Lane at this time.
The final stage of the project will require engineers to work in the entire outbound carriageway, where a contraflow system will be introduced to allow traffic to safely flow in both directions. Due to the complex nature of this part of the project, works will be carried out during the weekend to minimise disruption to road users
Finally, work will conclude on an area of private land. NGN has liaised closely with the land owner to plan this phase and members of the public will not be affected. Engineers will also return to the junction of Chapel Street and Old Wakefield Road to decommission the old gas main however traffic will not be affected.
Engineers will be working Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Paul Jagger, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Kirklees Council to carefully plan part of these works during school holidays in order to minimise disruption to customers.
“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting these works completed as quickly as possible.”
For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk
Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
ENDS
About Northern Gas Networks
Northern Gas Networks own all the gas mains in the North East, most of Yorkshire and northern Cumbria transporting gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses.