Gas Mains Investment in York

Gas engineers are set to renew a gas main in the heart of York’s historic centre.

Northern Gas Networks is investing more than £40,000 to upgrade around 400m of old metal gas mains along Low Petergate and Minster Gate with modern plastic pipeline which is safer and more reliable.

The work is being carried out by United Utilities and Morgan Est who are working in partnership for Northern Gas Networks. They own the network and every year invest around £60m in upgrading the pipeline system to ensure it stays safe and reliable.

Network Director Chris Gorman explained that the scheme is essential for the on-going safety and reliability of the gas network in York. He said: “We recognise that working right in the centre of York will be challenging, but we have put plans in place to help minimise any disruption and help us make good progress on this essential project.”

The project has been timed to avoid holiday periods when the city will be busy with tourists and work will be limited to Monday to Fridays only due to the busy nature of the area.

The first phase of work will begin in Low Petergate at the junction with Goodramgate on Monday April 7th and is expected to last around four weeks. Engineers will be working between the hours of 1pm and 9pm so that deliveries to the many retail premises in the area can continue uninterrupted. Work will be carried out in short stretches to help contain it to one area.

Work will then move on to Minster Gate through to Minster Yard which is expected to take around two weeks to complete.

An archaeologist will be on standby for the duration of the project due to the historic nature of the area.

Chris Gorman added: “Although this scheme is essential for the safety and reliability of local gas supplies we are aware that it will be disruptive for local people. That is why we’re using the latest technology to help us lessen the need for much time-consuming excavation work. We know no-one likes being faced with roadworks but this is a vital project for gas users in York. We will do our very best to minimise disruption and keep people updated about the progress of the work.”

A customer liaison officer from United Utilities will be available at an information centre outside St Michael-le-Belfry Church between 10am and noon and 2 – 4pm daily, Monday to Friday.

Northern Gas Networks owns all the gas mains in the North East, most of Yorkshire and northern Cumbria and, together with its operating partner United Utilities, runs the region’s gas emergency service.