Sleights Mains Replacement

Gas engineers are due to begin work on an essential project to replace a gas main in Sleights, near Whitby.

Pipeline company Northern Gas Networks is investing more than £30,000 to upgrade around 300m of old metal gas mains along the A169, close to the bridge over the River Esk.

The work was originally planned for June but has been brought forward at the request of North Yorkshire County Council to enable bridge improvement works to be carried out when the gas works when the gas works are complete.

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.

The work, which begins on Saturday April 12th, will be carried out in two phases with the first phase around the bridge. Temporary traffic lights will be in place to enable gas engineers to work safely in the highway. This phase is expected to last around two weeks.

The second phase will be carried out in nearby Briggswath Road where traffic lights will also be required. This is also expected to take around two weeks to complete.

Network Officer Andy Barr said the investment would 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 the Sleights area. We will do our very best to minimise disruption.”

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.

For further information about the project, visit www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk.