£1.1million investment in Blaydon's gas supply

Northern Gas Networks is investing £1.1million in Blaydon’s gas mains in a move designed to ensure the safety and reliability of supplies in the area for decades to come.

The work will be carried out by engineers from United Utilities and Balfour Beatty on behalf of the north’s gas pipeline owner.

In total, 11km of old metal gas mains will be replaced with modern plastic pipe which is more durable and has a lifespan of around 80 years.

Work, on the mainly residential project, is due to start on January 4 and is expected to take around six months to complete.

Residents are invited to attend a public information evening on January 12 between 2.00pm and 6.30pm at Winlaton Vulcans RFC on Axwell View, Blaydon. Engineers will be on hand to discuss the project and plans will be on display.

Northern Gas Networks has assigned two Customer Liaison Officers to this project. They will maintain a regular presence on site throughout the works - acting as a first point of contact, keeping people up to date with progress and helping to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

Work will get underway in January on: Axwell Park Road, Derwent Way, Western Way, Tynebank, Clavering Way, Napier Way, Wylam View, Deer Park Way, Hillgarth Road,
Park Gate Lane and Derwent View.

In February residents on: Lake Approach, Lakeside, Black Lane, Rectory Lane, Shibdon Way and Park Lane are next in line to benefit from the upgrade programme.

During March, teams will start work on: Shibdon Road, Crocus Close, Iris Close, Parkhead Gardens, Gibside View, lily Close, Heddon View, Back Lane, Briar Close, Snowdrop close, North Street, Tulip Close and Longridge. Three-way traffic lights will be in place at the T-junction of Shibdon Road and Axwell Park Road. Two-way lights will be in operation on Black Lane at the junction with North Street and also on Heddon View at its junction with Back Lane.

April will see work carried out on: Parkhead Square, Burn Road, Park View, Park Head Avenue, Mosspool, Axwell View and California.

In May, engineers will start to lay pipe on: West Park Gardens, Parkside Avenue, East Park Gardens, Shibdon Bank and Hanover Drive.

July will see new pipe laid on Hanover Street and the completion of any on-going work elsewhere on the project.

Northern Gas Networks and United Utilities apologise for any inconvenience experienced by residents while these essential gas works are carried out. Northern Gas Networks’ Director Chris Gorman said:

“We will do everything we can to minimise any disruption. This year, Northern Gas Networks will invest £82 million renewing gas mains to ensure that our system remains one of the safest in the world. The good news is that we will be using modern technology to reduce the number of excavations we need to complete the work and our new plastic pipes are more durable and flexible and have a lifespan of at least 80 years.”