Wirral: details of major work to protect gas supply to around 1,000 homes

• New 100-metre-long gas pipeline to be installed under Arrowe Brook Road
• The existing pipe, commissioned nearly 70 years ago, is now ‘beyond repair’
• Cadent says this work is essential to protect supply to around 1,000 homes

One hundred metres of new gas pipe is to be installed under Arrowe Brook Road, Wirral, to ensure local homes have the energy they need to stay warm.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has explored several options to repair a 70-year-old, underground iron gas main, after a leak was discovered.

It has been decided to completely replace the pipe, which runs for around 100 metres – around the length of a football pitch – under the road.

Specialist teams will lay the new pipe and commission it, before decommissioning the old pipe. This means that gas will stay on throughout the work.

“We’ve explored multiple options and the most sensible decision is to replace this section of main,” said Rachel Endfield, Customer Operations Area Manager, Cadent.

“We need to ensure we protect supply to around 1,000 homes that this pipe feeds, and replacement is now the only way to do that. If the leak deteriorates, we’d need to isolate the pipe, which could potentially leave these homes without gas. We can’t risk that.

“Unfortunately, the work will mean the continuation of traffic lights on Arrowe Brook Road, for several more weeks – possibly until close to Christmas.

“I know this is far from ideal, but hope people understand this is essential work, to keep people safe and warm in their homes.

“I appreciate everyone’s patience while we complete this.”

The engineers face additional challenges due to the proximity of high-pressure water pipes and high-voltage cables. The existing – and new – pipe also crosses Arrowe Brook, which brings extra considerations, including environmental aspects.

Contacting Cadent about this project

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

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 in the North West

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 Wirral 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 next decade.