Northern Gas Networks is investing £400,000 to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in Leeds city centre.

The major project is part of Northern Gas Network’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England and will involve replacing 500 metres of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our customers in Leeds for years to come.

The essential work will be carried out in several phases over a seven month period to minimise city centre disruption, and is scheduled for completion in February 2014.

From Tuesday, 27 August, a team of engineers will commence work in King Street and Infirmary Street. The first phase of the project is expected to take three weeks to complete and during this time it will be necessary to close the right hand bus lane at the bus station on Infirmary Street. This is expected to have minimum impact on motorists, however members of the public travelling by bus may experience minor delays.

Phase two of the project will commence mid-September and is expected to take five weeks to complete. In order to carry out this phase of the work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to close one lane of traffic on King Street and there will be no left turn onto St Paul’s Street. Disruption will be kept to a minimum however delays for motorists should be expected at this point.

A rolling closure will be in place on St Paul’s Street for approximately 10 weeks as work progresses from the junction with King Street in a westerly direction towards Central Street. Whilst there are restrictions in place, some parking will be available on St Paul’s Street during this time.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project.

Richard Hynes-Cooper, Customer Operations Area Manager, Northern Gas Networks said; “We’ve developed a phased plan for this essential project by working closely with Leeds City Council to minimise disruption to motorists, residents and businesses.

“Our customer liaison officers have started door knocking in the area to inform customers about the planned work and answer any questions or concerns they might have.”

Richard added, “We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, and apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. We will be sharing regular updates via our Twitter and Facebook pages.”

Please come along to our community forum at Stonebridge, Park House, Park Square West, Leeds LS1 2PW from 11.00 – 14.00 on Wednesday 4 September to find out more about this project. Northern Gas Networks representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the work.

If you have any questions about the works please don’t hesitate to contact the Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.

If you have any questions about the works please don’t hesitate to contact the Customer Care team on 0845 634 0508, option 7. The team is available between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturday.