Note: follow this link for the latest update on this project - published 10th May 2023
Major work will start on Sunday (26 February) to install a new section of gas pipeline under the A6 Blackrod Bypass, Bolton.
This is to satisfy demand from a new power generation site – which will use gas to create electricity for the local area – as well as a new property development.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has assigned two teams to install around 2,000 metres of new pipe under the A6, between Chorley Road and Station Road. This is the equivalent length of around 20 football pitches.
Three new tough plastic pipes need to be added to the local network; one of which – at 630mm in diameter – is about the same diameter as a large car tyre.
Cadent will also be replacing the ‘governor’ station at the junction of the A6 Blackrod Bypass and Chorley Road with an upgraded station. These governors manage the pressure of gas, to help it move safely on its onward underground journey.
This is major engineering and is expected to last beyond the school summer holidays. All roads are expected to remain OPEN, although there may be a requirement for a brief road closure towards the end of the project.
And gas stays ON throughout – there should be no impact to anyone’s gas supply.
Mark Syers, Head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office North West, said: “While our bread and butter is distributing gas into people’s homes, where it’s used for heating, hot water and cooking, we also supply power generation sites.
“There are times in the UK when as much as 50 per cent of electricity comes from such gas-powered plants. Our job is to ensure that gas can be carried in the volumes needed, and safely. That’s why we need to reinforce our network here in Bolton.
“This is major engineering and has been months in the planning, to ensure it will be done safely and by keeping this road open. The work area will be kept to one side of the two-lane carriageway, with lights managing the safe flow of traffic around it.
“We know this will inevitably cause congestion, but hope people understand why it’s essential to get it completed. We will keep everyone updated as we progress.
“Installing the new pipe also helps future-proof this part of the network, helping to ensure it’s ready to distribute hydrogen when that starts to arrive in the North West soon. Hydrogen is key to securing a net zero energy future.”
Advance warning signs are due in situ, while customer teams have sent out information to properties in the immediate area around the works, as well as visited most to explain what is happening. All businesses remain OPEN.
Customers with questions about this work can contact the team by:
Phone: 0800 090 3071
Email: CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com
Online: https://cadentgas.com/contactus/contact-form
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’s related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
Cadent operates four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks – North West England, West Midlands, Eastern England and North London.
Its North West network stretches from the Lake District to Crewe and is home to 21,000 miles of distribution pipes (most of them underground) and hundreds of above ground installations. If placed end to end, that amount of pipes would stretch from Bolton to Sydney, Australia, and back again.
Around £800m will be invested in the North West’s gas network over the next five years. This will maintain safe, secure supplies to homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other sites, as well as support the UK journey to net zero carbon emissions.
Backed by Cadent and many partners, the North West region is set to lead the way in a major shift from fossil gases to hydrogen. Producing only heat and water at point of use, hydrogen is key to the UK’s net zero future and is set to be introduced at volume in the North West during the 2020s.
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.
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.
0797 069 4897
