Gas Boost for Wakefield

Gas engineers have begun work on a £200,000 project to replace a gas main which supplies part of Wakefield.

The essential scheme is funded by gas pipeline company Northern Gas Networks and will see the old metal gas mains in the Leeds Road area of Wakefield being upgraded 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.

This project involves replacing around 2.5km of old gas mains along Leeds Road from the junction of Broad Meadows along to the junction with First Avenue. Work started on April 11th and will be carried out in phases to help minimise disruption.

Temporary traffic lights will be in use at significant junctions with Leeds Road to help keep traffic flowing while engineers work in the highway.

Network Director Chris Gorman said the scheme in Wakefield is essential to ensure the on-going safety and reliability of local gas supplies. “Our new pipes are made of plastic which is more durable and flexible than traditional pipes. Once in the ground the new mains should have a lifespan of around 80 years,” he said.

He 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 Wakefield. We will do our very best to minimise disruption and keep people updated about the progress of the work.”

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