Engineers working to repair a leaking gas pipeline in Harborne, Birmingham, are making changes to road traffic management to try and alleviate congestion issues in the village.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, had been using four-way traffic lights as it carried out excavation work to pinpoint the source of a gas escape in Harborne High Street.
Following discussions with the local Highways Authority, Cadent will be removing the traffic lights and installing a one-way travel system along the High Street instead.
This will mean that traffic can continue to flow while engineers can work safely.
Craig Hansbury, Head of Customer Operations for Cadent in the West Midlands, said: “We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to it 24/7, 365 days a year.
“It’s been a challenge to identify where the leak underneath Harborne High Street has come from, but we are now in a good position to start repair work.
“Following feedback, we have also been able to look into different methods of traffic management and as of Saturday 10th February, we are implementing a one-way system to ensure traffic continues to flow through the village.
“With the half-term week starting for the majority of schools, this feels like the best solution to avoid further issues with.
“We are very conscious of the disruption roadworks cause and are in regular contact with the Highways Authority to keep them updated on our work which we will always complete as quickly and as safely as we can.
“I also want to say thank you for everyone’s ongoing patience as we complete these repairs.”
The one-way traffic system is now in operation and signage has been installed to direct the flow of traffic.
If you smell gas, please do not assume it is related to these works. It may not be and needs to be checked. Act immediately and call the national gas emergency service, day or night, on 0800 111 999. All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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*
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*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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