The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £290,000 to upgrade ageing gas mains in Acklam Road, Middlesbrough.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the area’s gas infrastructure and involves replacing nearly 600m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers for years to come.

The 12-week project, which is due to start on Monday 20 March 2017, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Middlesbrough Borough Council.

Due to the location of the gas main and in order to carry out the works safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to introduce a single lane closure on Acklam Road for the duration of the works.  Traffic will not be able to turn right into Malvern Drive from Monday 3 April 2017.

It’s expected these works may cause some delays to journey times, so motorists are advised to leave extra time for travel during the road closure. NGN will endeavour to complete these works as soon as possible, and will provide updates on progress throughout the project.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local homes and businesses to make customers aware of the project, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place.

Stuart Armin, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with the local council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter, and thank them for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

The Acklam Road project will be registered as a Considerate Constructors Scheme site, following key principles to ensure minimal impact on the environment, customers and the community and observing the highest standards of safety.

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 immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.