The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £450k to upgrade the gas distribution network in the Wakefield Road area of Dewsbury.

These essential works involve replacing more than two kilometres of ageing metallic gas main with new, more durable plastic pipe. This is to ensure the safe, reliable and continued supply of gas to customers in Dewsbury for years to come.

The project will begin on Friday, 19th July and is due to complete by Friday, 8 November, having been planned in close conjunction with Kirklees Council to minimise disruption to customers.

To ensure the safety of NGN teams and members of the public throughout the project, it will be necessary to introduce some traffic management during the first phase of the works.

Road closures will be in place on Bywell Road at the junction of Wakefield Road and Syke Lane at the junction with Wakefield Road, from 7pm on 19 July to 18 August.

A full signed diversion will be in place for all road users during this time.

It’s expected that journey times will be increased because of the traffic management, so all motorists and commuters are advised to leave extra time for travel throughout the works.

NGN’s Customer Care team will be on site throughout to provide updates to affected businesses and residents, and further updates will be provided throughout the scheme on Facebook/northerngasnetworks and @NGNgas as well as Kirklees Council’s channels.

Chris Nevison, NGN Business Lead for Pennines, said:  “After safety, minimising the impact of road works on our customers is our top priority.

“We have worked closely with Kirklees Council to plan these works during the school summer holidays when traffic is lighter, to minimise the impact on commuters.

“We would like to thank all our customers for their patience whilst we carry out this essential project, and apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause as we look to complete them 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.