The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), will be investing £150,000 to upgrade the gas distribution network in and around Cockton Hill Rod, Bishop Auckland.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing approximately 800m of existing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.  This will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The ageing metal gas main has required several repairs in recent years.  NGN has prioritised the pipe for replacement to minimise any inconvenience caused by future repairs.  The works have been planned to coincide with the school summer holidays to minimise disruption to road users.

The sixteen- week project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Durham County Council to minimise the impact caused.

Works will start on Monday 20 August.  It will be necessary to implement temporary traffic management measures to ensure the safe and continued flow of traffic whilst works are in progress.  The first phase of works will be carried out on Cockton Hill Road and Woodhouse Lane, during this time we will have temporary four-way traffic signals in place for approximately four weeks.

Works will advance on Cockton Hill Road and Woodhouse Lane, adjacent to the Kwik Fit garage and will progress up to Bishop Auckland Baptist Church.

Throughout the duration of the project, parking in and around our works will be limited.

It’s expected these works may cause some delays to journey times, so motorists are advised to leave extra time for travel whilst the temporary traffic signals are in place.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local residents and businesses to make customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place. Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.

Nigel Pearson, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Durham County Council 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.