The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £200,000 to upgrade ageing gas mains at Swarcliffe Road, Harrogate.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the area’s gas infrastructure and will involve replacing over 3.6km 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 14-week project, which is due to start on Monday 3 April 2017, has been carefully planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County 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 two way traffic signals on High Street near the railway crossing.  The traffic lights will be in place from Saturday 10 June for around three weeks.

Engineers will be working Monday to Friday between 8am and 5.30pm and this will increase to seven day working when the temporary traffic signals are in place on the High Street, in order to complete the work as quickly as possible.

It’s expected these works may cause some delays to journey times, so motorists are advised to leave extra time for travel whilst the temporary traffic signals are in place.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual and NGN’s Customer Care Officers will be 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.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have worked closely with North Yorkshire County Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We will endeavour to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible and will keep customers updated as the work progresses.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we carry out this essential upgrade.”

The Swarcliffe Road project will be registered as a Considerate Constructors Scheme site – observing key principles to ensure minimal impact on the environment, customers and the community while following 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.