Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work in Ponteland, Newcastle to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.
This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Newcastle, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.
The project, which is expected to last until around the end of September, has been planned in collaboration with Newcastle City Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.
From Monday 11 May, temporary traffic lights will in place on Ponteland Road, starting on Cheviot View/A696 outside Ponteland Private Nursery. Throughout the work, the lights will move south, ending at Prestwick Road End roundabout. To minimise disruption, these lights will be manned from 7am-7pm.
Dan Hind, 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 to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents and business owners of Ponteland.
“Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual and we will be working hard to complete this essential project as safely and as quickly as possible.
“We’re conscious that this work is taking place close to Newcastle International Airport, so ask people travelling to the airport to allow for more time for their journeys.”
Emma Holman, Sustainability Reporting Lead at NGN, said: “Gas leakage accounts for 90% of NGN’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as our gas is predominantly methane, a potent greenhouse gas. We are reducing our gas leakage by replacing aged, leak prone metallic gas pipes with new, robust plastic pipes. This is part of a 30 year programme extending to 2032.
“Pipe replacement projects such as this one support NGN’s target to reduce total emissions by 45% between 2018 and 2030. Our annual gas leakage has reduced by 31% from 2018 to 2025. This has allowed us to save approximately 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).”
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.