Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out critical work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Wakefield.

The ageing main has undergone several recent emergency repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement. The metal pipework is being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers.

The work is expected to last for approximately 10 weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Wakefield Council.

Due to the current national lockdown, NGN is prioritising work in line with Government guidance and carrying out safety-critical services, including responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance, as well as planned work to replace ageing metal gas mains which need to be carried out urgently.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out outdoors, following Government guidelines for safe distance working wherever possible.

There are also extra safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid 19 secure.

So engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place. Due to the complex nature of project, the work will be carried out in various phases. On occasions there will be lane closures, road closures and temporary traffic lights in places simultaneously but these will be monitored by an NGN operative to help keep the traffic flowing. The phases are as follows:

• There is currently a bus lane closure, until Friday 26 February, on Black Road from the junction with Kirkthorpe Lane towards Hell Lane, with a walkway in place for pedestrians’ safety. There is a temporary bus stop in place so that customers can still access bus services
• From 15 February to 5 April, there will be two-way temporary traffic lights on Doncaster Road. This work will be carried out from the location of Oakenshaw Kennels at 304 Doncaster Road, to Oakenshaw Lane
• From 8 March to 5 April, there will be no left or right turn from Doncaster Road on to Oakenshaw Lane
• From 22 February to 22 March, there will be rolling temporary traffic lights on Kirkthorpe Lane, monitored in person between 7am and 7pm to help keep the traffic flowing
• From 22 March, part of Kirkthorpe Lane will be closed for four weeks. The closure will run from the junction of Kirkthorpe Lane with Black Road, approximately 200m up Kirkthorpe Road in the direction of Heath Common. There will be a signposted diversion in place
• From 5 April to 23 April, the right turn lane on to Doncaster Road from Black Road will be closed. Drivers should use the nearby gyratory and access Doncaster Road that way
• From 12 April to 30 April, there will be a lane closure at the junction of Black Road and Kirkthorpe Lane. Please note that this lane closure will partly take place at the same time as the 200m road closure on Kirkthorpe Lane running up towards Heath Common (see above)

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

The works will be carried out in the street, and engineers will observe safe distance working and wear PPE at all times.

Chris Reed, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Wakefield.

“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current coronavirus outbreak in England.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Customers can read more about our Covid Secure Promise here.

For further information about the work 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.