The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing approximately £40,000 to replace around 100 metres of ageing metal gas mains on Clayton Road in Jesmond with new durable plastic pipes.

The upgrade, which is scheduled to start on Thursday 23 July 2015, is part of the company’s ongoing investment in the area which will see more than £5 million* invested in the city’s gas pipe infrastructure by the end of 2016.

The essential work, which is expected to take six weeks to complete, will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers living and working in the area for years to come.

The project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Newcastle City Council to take place during the quieter school and university holiday period to minimise the disruption caused to members of the public.

In order to carry out the work safely and efficiently a single lane closure will be in place on Eslington Terrace (North) for the duration of the project and a signed diversion will be in place via Burdon Terrace and Kingsland.  There will be no access onto Clayton Road or Eslington Terrace (North) and temporary five-way traffic lights will be in operation on Osbourne Road, Clayton Road and Eslington Terrace (South) throughout the duration of the project.

Access for residents will be maintained at all times.

Four parking bays will be suspended on Eslington Terrace (North) during the work and the footpath will be closed on the south side of Clayton Road at the railway bridge. Pedestrian access will be maintained elsewhere.

Richie Manuel, Construction Services Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “Some of the pipes in the area are over 100 years old and now need replacing so that we can ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

“We’ve planned the project carefully so that the work is taking place during the quieter school holiday period which we hope will help to ease traffic flow in the area.”

He added: “We know that no one likes roadworks, so please be assured that we’ll do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.  We’d like to thank customers in advance for their patience throughout these essential improvement works and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

NGN’s team of Customer Care Officers has been door knocking homes and businesses in the area to inform them about the project, and answer any questions or concerns they may have.  They’ll be providing regular updates to customers as the work progresses.

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.

*Approximately £5 million invested between 2015 and 2016