The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), will be carrying out essential works on Front Street, Benton from Monday 15 June 2020.

This work involves replacing 500m of old metal gas mains with modern plastic equivalents. The pipe has required several repairs in recent years and has now been prioritised for replacement, in order to minimise any future disruption for customers.

Works will take place in the main carriageway of Front Street, Benton, and have been carefully planned in conjunction with North Tyneside Council, lasting approximately 11 weeks.

Although the majority of NGN’s planned work has been suspended during the Coronavirus outbreak, the company is still carrying out essential repair and maintenance work, to ensure the smooth running of the gas network. NGN also continues to provide its 24- hour emergency gas response service.

All essential work is being carried out while observing strict guidelines for safe distance working.

Works will begin on the junction of Coach Lane and Front Street. In order to protect engineers and members of the public, it will be necessary to introduce temporary traffic lights at the junction for three weeks.

Phase Two of the project will begin week commencing Monday 6 July 2020 and it will last for eight weeks.

During this phase, an east-to-west road closure will be introduced on Front Street.

This closure will be in place for eight weeks, with traffic controlled at the junction of Front Street, Station Road and the entrance road into Tyneview Park DWP by three-way traffic lights.

A signed diversion will be put in place for motorists travelling westbound into Newcastle and Gosforth.

Andrew Rodda, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have worked closely with North Tyneside Council to plan this essential work. Everything is being done to ensure the safety of our workers and the public during the work, in line with Government and health guidelines.

“We are committed to ensuring the smooth running of the gas network during this challenging time, and to keeping our customers and colleagues safe.”

NGN will be publishing weekly updates on all its channels, @NGNgas on Twitter and Facebook.com/northerngasnetworks, and at www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk

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.

You can find out more about the steps that NGN is taking to keep customers and colleagues safe during the Coronavirus outbreak at www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk

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