Liverpool: update on major gas works taking place on A580 East Lancs Road

The team working to repair a gas pipe that travels under one of Liverpool’s busiest roads issued an update on this major project today.

Cadent is working on one of the biggest diameter pipes on its North West network, one that helps keep 110,000 homes warm in the colder months.

Concerns started to emerge last year about this part of pipeline, which runs under the A580 East Lancs Rd, near Knowsley Village.

After a number of leaks, a decision was made to install a new 170-metre section.

Motorists heading towards Liverpool will have seen the large construction area to the left-hand side of the dual-carriageway, opposite the Copper Pot pub.

Some of the excavations are 25-metres long by two metres wide – so, the same length as a swimming pool

Kevin Flynn, Senior Delivery Support Manager, Cadent, said: “The work going on here is major engineering, and with big challenges.

“We are working on one of the busiest roads in the area, and we’ve been able to keep it open to traffic, albeit reduced to one lane near to the work area.

“A lot of different utilities are underneath this road, so we have had to adapt our plans and the route we are taking this big pipe.

“This means we have been a little stop-start at times, which I appreciate is frustrating for motorists.

“We are progressing well now though, and are working towards completing our work and getting off-site by 1st March.

“What this should mean though is fewer visits by Cadent teams to carry out repairs in the future – and the congestion that often leads to, as we set up a work area. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we bring this work to a conclusion.”

Ormskirk Road’s junction with the A580 East Lancs Rd remains closed, with a diversion in place. This is because the new pipe is going in right across this junction. A diversion is signposted.

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 and Derbyshire.

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.