The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £405k to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in and around Manygates Lane, Wakefield.

The essential major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure and will involve replacing around 2.4km 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. This project began on Monday 3 May and is expected to last around 25 weeks, with an estimated completion date of 20 October.

To coincide with the school holidays, temporary traffic lights will be introduced on to Barnsley Road on Wednesday 26 July for approximately 10-weeks, these will be manually operated during peak times. In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently, it will also be necessary to introduce a road closure to Pinfold Lane from Saturday 22 July until Saturday 29 July.

A signed diversion route will be clearly displayed for all motorists and access will remain for all residents and businesses. During the works, access to Pinfold Grove will be Barnsley Road only.

NGN’s Customer Care officers have been door-knocking local businesses and residents to update them on progress and provide details of the traffic management plans.

Engineers will be working from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 5pm and NGN will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Josh Hampshire, Northern Gas Networks’ Construction Services Area Manager, said: “We have been working closely with Wakefield Council to carefully plan these works to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, 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 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.