A57 Irlam: how engineers will be fixing a leak on a gas pipe and keeping this busy road open

Important update published on 1st August

Unfortunately, late last night (31 July) we became concerned about the safety of the temporary traffic management system we had on the A57, Irlam.

As originally planned (see below), we put down road plates, to allow traffic to drive over our work area during peak hours, but this relied on motorists adhering to a clearly signed reduction in speed limit (from 50mph to 30mph).

Our team observed many vehicles persisting with the 50mph, such that a very serious accident was only a matter of time. We therefore took the decision to reintroduce the traffic lights, to manage vehicle flow around our work area and keep everyone safe.

We are investigating alternative options that might see us able to reintroduce off-peak only working and two-way access for road users during peak hours, which we may be able to introduce later today or early tomorrow.

We mustered extra resources to site this morning and our engineers will continue the work under traffic lights for now. We are hopeful this gas leak repair will be complete in no more than two more days.

We know this adds to traffic congestion considerably but we cannot risk anyone’s safety and we must now see this essential gas leak repair through to a conclusion.

Original news story below

Work begins on Monday (31^st July) to repair a leak on a gas pipe that runs beneath the A57 Liverpool Road, Irlam.

The leak has been traced to a section of pipeline that requires engineers to work in the road. But the road will remain open.

Cadent, which looks after the local gas network, has agreed with Salford City Council that it will work between the hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm.

During this time, there will be traffic lights to manage the flow of vehicles, both ways.

Outside these hours, heavy plates will be covered across the work area and the traffic lights removed.

This will keep the road fully open, both ways, although there will be a temporary reduction in the speed limit (from 50mph to 30mph) to facilitate this.

Phil Hendrick, Head of Customer Operations (North West), Cadent, said: “We know this is a busy road, so have created a repair plan that keeps everyone’s safety paramount, but also keeps the A57 open at the same time.

“Since we located the leak, we’ve kept it under regular monitoring. While that’s okay in the short term, we do need to move in and get the repair completed, to avoid any risk of deterioration. We’ve planned it in for school holidays, which is when traffic is usually a little lighter.

“We are grateful for everyone’s patience as we get this work completed.”

The work will begin on Monday (31^st July) and, all being well, could complete within a week, although there is chance it may continue into the following week. The actual work area is below.

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 operates four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks, including the network for North West England.

This 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 they were in a straight line, they would reach Australia, and come 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 soon.