Major upgrade to start on Blackpool gas mains network: when, how it affects traffic & gas supply
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Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network in Blackpool, is calling time on ageing pipes that help distribute gas to heat thousands of homes with upgrade work beginning on July 8.
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Hide AdSections of the network are understood to date to 1892 and, while still safe today, they need replacing to ensure an ongoing uninterrupted supply – and to prepare for the introduction of greener gases.
In total, around 1800 metres of old metallic gas pipes will be replaced with tough durable plastic. The pipes are mostly deep underneath the town’s roads – so the work will need temporary traffic arrangements for the 15-week project.
Roads where work will take place include Whitegate Drive, Devonshire Road, Talbot Road, Church Street, Newton Drive, and other roads leading off these.
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Hide AdIt’s part of an £80m package of work announced by Cadent in April, as it continues with a 30-year programme to upgrade its older pipes. Nearly 10km of pipes in the Blackpool area will be upgraded in Blackpool this year, and 420km across the North West.
What has been said about the work?
Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West said : “This part of the network is extraordinary Victorian engineering, but maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption to local community – has got too frequent in recent years.
“Our repair teams have been called out many times in recent years, some of which been the result of gas leaking from joints in the ageing pipeline. Every time, that means unplanned roadworks and disruption to motorists and residents.
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Hide Ad“We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year. We’ve worked closely with Blackpool Council to agree a week-by-week plan of work, and this will start on 8th July.
“Working seven days a week, we will be finished and offsite in time for Blackpool’s illuminations big switch-on. We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing, with access to homes and businesses.”
What is the full programme of work?
The programme of work, which is subject to change, is as follows:
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Hide AdWeek 1 & 2: Junction Whitegate Drive, Church Street, Devonshire Road
Week 3: Healey Street and Rossall Road
Week 4 & 5: Talbot Road, near junction with Devonshire Road
Week 6: Caunce Street
Week 7 & 8: Devonshire Road
Week 9 & 10: Whitegate Drive, near Hornby Road
Week 11: Newton Drive
Week 11 & 12: Talbot Road
Week 12 & 13: Devonshire Road
Week 14: Warwick Road
Week 15: reinstatement and site tidy
How will work affect traffic?
There will be varying traffic arrangements while the work takes place, all designed to try keep traffic flowing as best as possible.
Some will involve traffic lights, and some will involve roads being narrowed, and/or junctions closed.
There is likely to be traffic congestion, particularly at busy times and alternative routes will be signposted.
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Hide AdHow will the work affect our gas supply?
Gas stays ON for the duration of work.
The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area).
Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into the new pipe.
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Hide AdAdvance notice will be given and more information will be provided to these properties.
Cadent employs around 1,200 people in the North West. It is responsible for maintaining and upgrading more than 21,000 miles of (mostly) underground gas distribution pipes and providing a 24/7, 365-days-a-year gas emergency service.
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