The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £52,000 to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in Ackworth Road, Featherstone.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 260m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project, which will begin on Monday 1 August and last approximately three weeks with an estimated completion date of 19 August, has been planned in conjunction with Wakefield Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption as possible.

Work will begin on Ackworth Road at the junction of Hall Road and finish at the junction of Pontefract Road. In order to complete this as safely and efficiently as possible, traffic management measures will be in place.

The existing four-way traffic lights on Pontefract Road will be suspended from 1 August for around two weeks, and four-way temporary lights will be in place to manage traffic flow.

There will be no right hand turn for HGVs from Ackworth Road on to Pontefract Road for the duration of the scheme.

Temporary pedestrian crossings will be in place on Pontefract Road and it’s likely some local bus services will experience delays.

Parking will be suspended on Ackworth Road directly outside the Junction Hotel, however there will be some parking available on the opposite side of the road.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and engineers will be working Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Josh Hampshire, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Wakefield Council to carefully plan these works during the school holidays in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We advise all customers travelling through the area to allow extra time for their journeys over the next few weeks while we carry out this essential work. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during the project, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting these works completed as quickly as possible.”

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.

ENDS