Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential upgrade work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in East Herrington, Sunderland.
The ageing steel gas main has undergone several recent emergency repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement with new, more durable plastic pipes.
The scheme will involve replacing two kilometres of gas main on Silksworth Road, Durham Road and Herrington Road, and has been planned in conjunction with Sunderland Council.
Works will begin on 14th June and take approximately 20 weeks to fully complete.
To keep engineers and members of the public safe, a westbound closure of Silksworth Road from Longmeadows to A690 Durham Road will be introduced. There will be a diversion route in place for the duration of the works.
NGN have agreed, as part of the works, to directionally drill under the A690 Durham Road Board Inn roundabout from Silksworth Road in order to reduce impact on traffic at the roundabout and minimise congestion.
NGN’s customer care officer will be visiting all businesses and residents ahead of the project to inform them of the works and how it will impact them.
Shaun Williams, Site Manager 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 East Herrington and surrounding areas.
“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.”
NGN is continuing to carry out its essential activities while following strict guidelines for safe distance working, where possible, and following good hygiene practices as we continue to live with coronavirus.
While all of NGN’s work has now resumed, extra safety precautions remain in place to keep everyone safe while we continue to live with Covid-19.
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.
