Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, will be starting critical work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Newcastle. Works will take place near the BP petrol station close to Battle Hill on Coast Road (A1058).

The ageing main has undergone several recent emergency repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement.

Traffic management arrangements, including lane closures in both directions, will be put in place on Friday 5 March from 8pm, ready for works starting on the next day, Saturday 6 March.

The work is expected to last for approximately three weeks. It has been planned in close collaboration with North Tyneside Council.

Due to the current national lockdown, NGN is prioritising work in line with government guidance, 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.

So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

It will be necessary to close the inside lanes on both the eastbound and the westbound sides of Coast Road for the full duration of our works and traffic speed limits will be dropped to 30mph for the safety of our team and other road users.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out in the street, 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.

Engineers will observe safe distance working and wear PPE at all times.

Richie Manuel, 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 Newcastle.

“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.