[A] major engineering project that will keep generations of Barrow-in-Furness residents warm for at least 80 more winters is about to get under way.
Local residents have been informed that gas network Cadent will begin work on Monday (23 October) to upgrade more than 800 metres of gas mains in Bath Street, Nelson Street and Drake Street.
The existing underground metal gas main pipework is nearing the end of its life and will be replaced with tough, durable plastic that will last until the end of the century.
It is part of a £77.5m investment to upgrade more than 500km of gas mains in North West England in 2017/18.
Steve Murray, who heads up Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme in the North West, said: “This is a major investment in the gas network in Barrow. It’s essential work and will mean local people can continue to enjoy safe and reliable supplies, to heat their homes, cook their meals and fuel their businesses, for decades to come.
“This is big project in a residential area. We need to put in place traffic restrictions, to keep everyone – residents and our own workers – safe while we are working in the road. We will do everything we can to minimise disruption.”
Work gets under way on Monday 23 October and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2018. Work will be suspended, with road restrictions lifted, over Christmas (from 22 December, with work resuming 2 January).
Following consultation with the local council’s highways officers, the agreed traffic management will include road closures on all side roads of Bath Street, from Chatsworth Street to Napier Street – although there will only be one road closure at any one time. Diversions will be in place. On some junctions, temporary traffic lights will be in place to assist with traffic management.
Cadent will do its best to maintain pedestrian access to homes, shops and businesses at all times.
It may be necessary to temporarily disconnect people’s gas supplies for short periods while their gas service pipes (the pipes which take gas from the main in the road to their homes or businesses) are replaced. Property owners will be informed beforehand.
If anyone has any questions about this work, they should contact the customer service team on 0161 703 1000 or 1010. To find out more about how Cadent replaces gas mains and how that affects residents and businesses, see www.bettergaspipes.co.uk
