The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £190,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in Wakefield Road, Back Chapel Lane, and Smithy Lane at Moldgreen, Huddersfield.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and involves replacing around 350m 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 began on Monday 22 August, and has been planned in conjunction with Kirklees Council Highways to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption as possible, continues to progress well.

The majority of the scheme is now finished, and engineers returned to Wakefield Road on Wednesday 4 January to complete the final phase, which will take place in both lanes of the outbound carriageway.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, a contraflow will be placed on the two inbound lanes for around one week.

If traffic flow dictates, it may also be necessary to suspend the right-hand turn from Wakefield Road on to Almondbury Bank. If this is required, motorists will be able to follow a clearly signed diversion route along Old Wakefield Road, as requested by Kirklees Council Highways.

During this time, the footpath next to the outbound carriageway on Wakefield Road will be closed, with a clearly signed diversion taking pedestrians on to Back Chapel Lane, Chapel Lane and Old Wakefield Road.

Engineers will then work under lane closures both inbound and outbound for four more weeks, with a further road closure introduced on Smithy Lane. A short diversion route will be in place for motorists to follow.

When work is taking place on the inbound carriageway of Wakefield Road, a foothpath closure will be in place. The diversion will take pedestrians on to Poplar Street and Smithy Lane.

On top of working Monday to Friday, engineers will be working Saturdays and Sundays to complete this phase as quickly as possible.

NGN Customer Care officers are continuing to visit local businesses to update customers on progress as work continues.

Neil Travers, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Kirklees Council to carefully plan these works in order to minimise disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them 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.