Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers around the Chester-le-Street area of Durham.
The ageing main has undergone several repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement with new, more durable plastic pipes.
The eight-week project will start on Monday 20th June and take place on Shields Road, Village Place, Hopgarth Gardens, Picktree Terrace, Picktree Cottages and Picktree Lane (B6313).
The project has been planned in collaboration with Durham County Council to take place partly during the school summer holidays, in order to minimise impact on traffic at commute times.
To protect engineers and members of the public, some traffic management measures will be introduced during the works. These are likely to impact journey times, so motorists are advised to leave extra time for travel.
Multi-way temporary traffic lights will be placed on Picktree Lane (B6313) for three weeks, starting on 25th July.
Ashley Whitfield, 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 Chester-le-Street.
“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.”
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.