The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £180,000 to replace around 300 metres of ageing metal gas mains in the Shipley and Baildon area with new durable plastic pipes.

The eight week project, which is scheduled to start on Monday 13 July 2015, is part of the company’s ongoing investment in the area which will see around £4.5 million⃰   invested in Shipley and Baildon’s gas pipe infrastructure by the end of 2015.

The essential work, which is planned for completion in early September, will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers living and working in the area for years to come, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Bradford City Council.

To minimise disruption to members of the public, the work will be carried out in three phases, with part of the project completed during the quieter school holiday period.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to close one lane on the Otley Road throughout the duration of the project.  Engineers will be working 7 days a week throughout the project in order to complete the work as quickly as possible.

Phase 1 (From Monday 13 July): The project will commence at night time at the junction of Dockfield Road and the Otley Road and will continue for two – three weeks. Temporary three way traffic lights will be in operation between 8pm and 6am.  A night time, access only road closure will also be in place on Dockfield Road.  Local businesses have been informed so that they can make alternative arrangements. Sound barriers will be used to minimise noise levels during nighttime working.

Phase 2 (From Monday 27 July): Work will continue from the junction of Dockfield Road and the Otley Road to the junction of Viewcroft Road and the Otley Road for around two – three weeks.   Engineers will be working 7 days a week from 8am – midnight.

Phase 3 (From Monday 10 August): Work will be carried out at the junction of Viewcroft Road and Briggate for approximately three weeks. Engineers will be working from 8am – midnight, 7 days a week.

Ian Cunningham, Construction Services Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “We know that the Otley Road is a really busy stretch, particularly during peak commuting hours for customers travelling between Bradford and Leeds, so we have planned for part of the project to take place during the quieter school holiday period to help to ease traffic flow.

“We have also made the decision to extend much of the work into the quieter evening and night time period. To minimise the disruption caused to customers, in particular passing traffic, engineers will be working from 8pm – 6am, seven days a week for the first stage of the project.  Seven day working will continue thereafter with engineers working from 8am – midnight. Weekend working will help to ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible.

He added, “We know that no one likes roadworks, so please be assured that we’ll do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.  We’d like to thank customers in advance for their patience throughout these essential improvement works and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

During the final week of the project, which will be on or around 1 September, works will take place in the footpath which will result in a footpath closure. At all other times footpaths will remain open with restricted access in some places – in these instances a footway will be provided. Shops and businesses will remain open as usual and parking facilities will not be affected. All bus stops are in operation as usual but members of the public are being warned to expect some delays to bus services.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door knocking homes and businesses in the area to inform them about the project, and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

NGN is currently in the process of planning a further scheme to replace 200m of ageing gas mains on Baildon Road at the junction with Station Road. This will involve a single lane closure on Baildon Road and it will be necessary to install temporary two-way traffic lights.

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

*Approximately £4.5 million invested between 2013 and 2015