The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £2.5m to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in and around Leeds Road and St Andrews Road, Huddersfield.
The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in Huddersfield and will involve replacing around 3km 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 ageing pipes, some of which are nearly 100 years old, have required several emergency repairs in recent years. NGN has prioritised them for replacement this year to minimise any future inconvenience.
The work on Leeds Road began in May and is due for completion in June 2018, having been planned in conjunction with Kirklees Council to ensure the scheme is completed with as little disruption as possible.
Phase One is progressing well, taking place directly outside Arnold Clark Motorstore and down to the junction of Bradley Mills Lane. This phase is expected to last approximately 18 weeks.
During this time the cycle lane on Leeds Road is closed, while the footpath directly outside the Superbowl and along Leeds Road is also closed. Pedestrians should use existing crossings and cross at safe locations to the opposite footpath while this section of works is taking place.
On Monday 30 May, NGN also began a 23-week gas mains replacement scheme on Bradley Mills Road. Works are currently ongoing within the estate on Longfield Avenue and will progress out on to Bradley Mills Road.
For engineers to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to introduce a road closure on Bradley Mills Road at the junction of Stadium Way and Brown Royd Avenue.
This will be in place for around four weeks between Monday 17 July and Friday 11 August. A signed diversion route will be clearly displayed for all motorists and include Rawthorpe Lane, Carr Green Lane, Broad Lane, Wakefield Road, and Southgate.
On Monday 5 June, a second NGN team began works on St Andrews Road outside the Ford garage. This phase of works is progressing well.
In order to ensure the safety of engineers and the public, a one-way system was introduced from the junction of Leeds Road to the junction of Gas Works Street which will remain in place for around 20 weeks.
NGN’s Customer Care officers have been door-knocking local businesses and residents to update them on progress and provide details of the traffic management plans.
Engineers will be working from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 4.30pm and NGN will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.
Paul Jagger, Construction Services Area Manager Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Kirklees Council to carefully plan these works to coincide with their resurfacing scheme due to take place on Leeds Road next year and 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 on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.