Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out critical upgrade work to the gas network in Darlington.
The ageing metal pipework at Yarm Road is now being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Darlington for many years to come.
The work will start on Monday 17th May and is expected to last for four weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Darlington Borough Council.
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.
There will be two-way temporary traffic lights on Yarm Road beginning at the junction with Teal Road next to St Herbert’s Church, then moving east along Yarm Road, ending at the Darlington Retail Park also on Yarm Road. The traffic lights will be in place for four weeks.
There will be signage in place to alert drivers to the traffic lights, and road users are asked to leave extra time for journeys.
NGN teams are observing strict government guidance for safe distance working during the pandemic, carrying out essential planned work to replace ageing metal gas main, as well as responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance.
To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers, and the community, most of the work is being carried out in the street. There will be extra measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid-19 secure, and engineers will always observe safe distance working and wear PPE.
Steve Pigott, 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 Darlington.
“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.