The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £45,000 to upgrade the ageing gas mains on Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing more than 300m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes. This will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The six-week project, which is due to start on Thursday (4 January), has been carefully planned in conjunction with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

In order to carry out works safely and efficiently, works will carried out in three phases. During all phases of the work it will be necessary to implement temporary traffic measures.

Phase one will commence on Thursday 4 January until Thursday 18 January with two-way traffic lights in place on Portrack Lane.

Phase two will commence Thursday 18 January to Thursday 25 January where there will be three-way traffic lights in place at the junction of Limeoak Way.

The third and final phase of work will commence on Thursday 25 January until Thursday 8 February where there will be two sets of traffic lights in place.

Depending on the scale of the works, the gas distributor may need to implement a road closure on Rupert Street at the junction of Union Street East. If this is required, a signed diversion route will be in place. Access for pedestrians and businesses will remain open throughout the works.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking residents and businesses to make customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise road users of the works.

John Richardson, Business Operational Leader for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with the local highways department to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter, and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.