Night Time Road Closures for Saddler Street

The final phase of a major gas mains replacement scheme in Durham gets under way on May 11 with a series of night-time road closures in the city centre.

Engineers working on behalf of Northern Gas Networks need to close the entrance to Saddler Street from 7pm each night for five consecutive nights.

The road will re-open during the day.

Alternative access arrangements have been made for emergency vehicles and residents while the road is closed. Pedestrians will not be affected.

Barry Watson, from United Utilities, the company managing the work, said engineers needed to replace an old section of metal gas main which crosses Saddler Street between the Nationwide and Greggs.

“Unfortunately the road in this historic part of Durham is so narrow it is just not safe to try to keep Saddler Street open while we work. We have consulted with local organisations such as the cathedral, university and highways authority. We believe this is the safest and way to get the job done quickly.

“It is going to be inconvenient for local people. We’re sorry about that and will do everything we can to keep it to a minimum,” he said.

In all, 500m of old gas pipe in Market Place, Silver Street, Saddler Street and Elvet Bridge are being renewed by United Utilities and Balfour Beatty on Northern Gas Networks’ behalf.

The scheme, which started on January 28, is costing Northern Gas Networks £77,000.