Northern Gas Networks is investing £290,000 to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in Durham city centre.
The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England and will involve replacing 830 metres of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our customers in Durham for years to come.

The project will commence in January and will be carried out in three phases to minimise city centre disruption. The work is scheduled for completion in May 2014.

John Richardson, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “We’ve developed a phased plan for this project by working closely with Durham County Council to minimise disruption to motorists, residents and local businesses.”
As part of this project, Northern Gas Networks will be working in the Millburngate (junction of Millburngate towards Framwellgate Bridge) and North Road areas of the city.

In order to carry out this essential work safely and efficiently, at various stages throughout the project it will be necessary to put traffic management systems such as road / lane closures in place, and make some changes to the one way system. It will also be necessary to suspend some parking bays and restrict / limit access for deliveries.
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times throughout the project.

John Richardson added; “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. We’ll be keeping customers informed throughout by holding community forums at key stages of the work, providing an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions or raise any concerns. We will also be sharing regular updates on Twitter and Facebook.”

The first Northern Gas Networks community forum will be held on Tuesday, 19 November from 14.00 to 16.30 at St Nicholas Church, Market Place, Durham, DH1 3NJ.

A second forum will be held on Friday, 13 December between 14:00 to 16:30 at the same location.

If you have any questions about the works please don’t hesitate to contact the Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.