Broughton: big upgrade for ageing gas pipes under A5104 (Main Road)

    29 April 2024

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    Kevin Hegarty

    mail kevin.hegarty@cadentgas.com

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    • Major scheme starts 7th May and is due to end in July
    • Modernising gas pipes that have been in operation for over 100 years
    • Keeping homes warm in winter and preparing for greener energy

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    A major project to replace around 900 metres of a gas pipeline under the A5104 Mold Road / Main Road / Queens Way, Broughton, Flintshire, begins on 7th May.

    Cadent, which manages the local gas network, is calling time on a section of metallic pipe that has been helping keep local homes warm for over 100 years.

    The engineering will involve the decommissioning of the current pipes and the installation of new tough plastic ones, which will last for generations.

    As well as ensuring a safe and reliable gas supply to the local area now – for heating, hot water, and cooking – it is also being done to future-proof the network, as greener gases like biomethane and hydrogen start to be introduced.

    The engineers will complete the work in eight phases, with each phase representing about 100 metres of pipe upgraded.

    The pipes run directly under the road, which means there will be some impact on traffic. To maintain a safe work area for the engineers, motorists and pedestrians, and in agreement with Flintshire Council, traffic lights will control the flow of vehicles.

    Entrances to some side streets will also be closed when the teams take the pipe across them. Short diversions will be signposted when this happens.

    Customer teams have begun visiting local businesses and homes, to inform and provide any assistance required. With major employers like Airbus nearby, the team is working to raise awareness among employees who commute in.

    Old metallic gas mains like these are being upgraded as part of an £800m investment by Cadent in the local area’s network over a five-year period.

    Records indicate that some sections of this pipeline were installed in just before the First World War and are showing signs of age – with repairs and maintenance, and associated traffic disruption, increasing in frequency in recent years.

    Mark Syers, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West), Cadent, said: “Our job is to keep gas flowing to heat homes, schools, offices, and many other buildings in the local area, as well as future-proof the network ready for greener gases.

    “This part of the network has operated for 100 years. We’ve become too frequent a visitor in recent years, with our teams carrying out essential repairs.

    “This upgrade will bring an end to that, ensuring everyone gets a safe, reliable supply well into the future.

    “We appreciate this means another period of disruption, and our teams will work as quickly as they safely can to complete the work.”

    Will your gas supply be impacted?

    Gas stays ON throughout, with just a short interruption for 80 properties on the day we connect your home into the new pipes. Our on-site teams will explain how all this works and will talk you through every step.

    Contacting Cadent about this project

    Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
    Phone: 0800 090 3071
    Email: CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com
    Online: Contact Us

    If you smell gas

    If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999*. Do not delay, or assume it is related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.

    Cadent in the North West

    Cadent’s North West network includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, as well as parts of Cumbria, Derbyshire and Flintshire.

    Over the next five years, Cadent will invest £288million to upgrade older gas mains in the West Midlands’ network. These pipes safely, reliably and out-of-sight (underground) distribute gas that keeps people warm in their homes.

    Beneath this region – under roads, footpaths, and fields – are more than 34,000km of gas distribution pipes. These carry gas to 2.7 million homes, hospitals, schools, offices, and other sites – for heat, hot water, cooking, and industrial uses. If placed end to end, they’d reach Sydney, Australia, and come back again.

    Cadent manages this extensive network, as well as gas networks for Eastern England, West Midlands, and North London. It is responsible for ensuring the network is operating safely and reliably, 24/7, 365 days a year.

    Cadent will invest more than £3.4bn over the next five years (including more than £800m in the North West area) to maintain this network and get it ready for the arrival soon of greener, lower-carbon gases.

    Cadent

    Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

    Future of Gas:

    Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

    Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

    Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

    *All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

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