The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), will be upgrading the gas distribution network in and around the Elwick Road area of Hartlepool.
The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing approximately 2.6km of existing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.
This will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.
The ageing metal gas main has required several repairs in recent years. NGN has prioritised the pipe for replacement to minimise any inconvenience caused by future repairs.
The 14 week project which commenced on Monday 22nd October, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Hartlepool Borough Council to minimise disruption.
In order for the work to be carried out safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to implement some temporary traffic management measures at various stages, to ensure the safe and continued flow of traffic.
From Monday 29th October it will be necessary to implement three-way temporary traffic lights on Elwick Road, at the junction of Park Road. These lights will replace the existing lights for approximately three weeks.
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.
Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.
Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.
Neil Smith, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Hartlepool Borough Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.
“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”
The Elwick Road project will be registered as a Considerate Constructors site. The key principles are to ensure minimal impact to the environment, customers and the community and the highest standards of safety.”
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.