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 the Hexham Road area of Swalwell near Gateshead.

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

The work will start on Monday 29 March and is expected to last for six weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Gateshead Council.

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.

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 from Monday 29 March for two weeks.

The side road which links Market Lane to Long Rigg will be closed for the full two weeks, and two-way temporary traffic lights will be in place on Market Lane whilst the work is carried out. These lights will be manned Monday to Saturday between the hours of 7am and 6pm, to help the traffic keep flowing.

There will be a footpath diversion for pedestrians in place from Hexham Road to Market Lane. Due to the location of our gas main there will be no pedestrian access via Brewery Bank.

Signs will be displayed for motorists and a full signed diversion put in place.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out in the street and engineers will follow Government guidelines for safe distance working of at least two metres wherever possible.

Engineers will only request entry to a customer’s property if it is absolutely necessary; in order to ensure their safety, to keep the gas supply flowing, or at a customer’s request.

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

“NGN is continuing to carry out essential services while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current restrictions in England.

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

As well as NGN’s critical service (which include responding to gas emergencies, carrying out emergency repairs and critical maintenance activities) engineers are continuing to carry out work to upgrade critical infrastructure, including planned work to replace ageing metal gas pipes, where most of the work can be carried out safely in the street.

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.