Emergency works are under way to protect gas supply to around 7,000 homes, after an issue was identified on a pipe that runs beneath a road in Mottram.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, discovered leaks on the 12-inch diameter pipeline that provides the main feed of gas into the Glossop area.
Its teams made everything safe over the weekend and are now starting what will be a major project to ensure gas keeps flowing while they carry out repairs.
This starts with the creation of an eight-metre-long, four-metre-wide, 1.5-metre-deep excavation in Ashworth Lane, Mottram, near the junction with Market Place.
Teams will then create a temporary bypass – so that gas can continue to flow around the section of pipe that needs to be repaired, while the repairs take place.
A one-way road closure has been in place since Friday and this will become a full road closure (of Ashworth Lane, at this junction) from today.
Traffic will need to follow the short, signed diversion, and delays should be expected.
The work is likely to continue into early March.
NB. We issued an update to this post on 1 March, which explains we now expect to be working here until the middle of March. Follow this link to take you to that update.
Trevor Lubbock, Customer Operations Area Manager, Cadent, said: “This is a very complex repair, involving contractors who specialise in this type of engineering.
“The project needs to be planned with precision, and every phase treated with care, so that we ensure we keep everyone safe and keep gas flowing.
“We hope people understand that, due to the nature of what we’re dealing with here, safety – of the public and of our workers – will always be our first priority.
“We are very conscious of the disruption this is causing and we will work as quickly as we safely can.”
Cadent manages the 21,000-mile gas distribution network in North West England, ensuring gas safely reaches 2.7 million properties for heating, hot water and cooking.
It also provides the region’s 24/7, year-round gas emergency service.
If you smell gas, always call 0800 111 999* immediately, day or night. Do not assume it is related to nearby work. It may not be and needs to be checked.
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
