The final phases of a major engineering project – to keep gas flowing to heat homes and reduce the risk of power outages – is now under way in Bolton.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has already installed 3,000 metres of new pipes under the A6 Blackrod Bypass this year, as part of this same project.
Now its teams have started work on the final sections, which involves constructing a new gas pressure management station and commissioning the new pipes.
It’s all being done so that a new power station can come online, one that will use gas to generate electricity. This reduces the risk of power outages in the local area.
The work also means Cadent can be satisfied that this significant additional demand will not impact the supply of gas to heat thousands of homes and other buildings.
We published previous stories on our website to explain the earlier phases.
Engineers are already working in land adjacent to the A6 Blackrod Bypass.
From Monday 30th October, two-way lights will be introduced to the bypass, near Chorley Road, to manage the safe flow of vehicles around the work area.
During week commencing 13th November: these traffic lights will be replaced with a full road closure of the A6 Blackrod Bypass, at the junction with Chorley Road. Traffic will be diverted through Blackrod for around four weeks.
Then, from the middle of December, the bypass will be reopened under two-way traffic lights. These will remain until work finishes either in December or January.
Gas stays ON throughout – there should be no impact to anyone’s gas supply.
Mark Syers, Cadent’s Head of Investment Planning, North West, said: “While our bread and butter is distributing gas into people’s homes, where it’s used for heating, hot water and cooking, we also supply power generation sites.
“There are times in the UK when as much as 50 per cent of electricity comes from such gas-powered plants. Our job is to ensure that gas can be carried in the volumes needed, and safely. That’s why we need to reinforce our network here in Bolton.
“We are grateful for everyone’s patience, particularly due to us needing to close the A6 Blackrod Bypass for four weeks while my teams work in the carriageway.”
Advance warning signs are now in situ, while customer teams have sent out information to properties in the immediate area around the works, as well as visited many to explain what is happening. All businesses remain OPEN.
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 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 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 Bolton 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 2020s.
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
