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 in Harrogate.
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 now while getting the network ready to transport alternative greener fuels in the future.
The work will start on Monday 2nd of October and is expected to last for seven weeks.
It has been planned in close collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council Highways and follows a first phase of town centre works which were completed at Crescent Road and Montpellier Road in Autumn 2022.
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.
Crescent Road lane closure and traffic lights
A lane closure will be introduced on Crescent Road and Ripon Road along with four-way lights on the junction of Crescent Road, Parliament Street, Ripon Road and Kings Road for two weeks. The existing lights will be bagged, and temporary traffic lights will be in operation from 7am to 7pm.
Montpellier Road (Round-about) & Montpellier Hill Lane closure
A lane closure will be implemented on Montpellier Road (Round-about) & Montpellier Hill Lane for two weeks.
Cold Bath Road traffic lights and parking suspensions
Multiple 2 and 3-way lights will be introduced on Cold Bath Road for five weeks starting from the 2nd of October.
Wellington Square Road closure
A road closure will be implemented on Wellington Square for two weeks.
Signs will be displayed for motorists and traffic lights will be manned seven days a week between 7am and 7pm, to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access customer properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.
Scott Kitchingman, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience to customers caused during these essential works, but it’s vital that we complete this project to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Harrogate.
“We completed phase 1 of this project in Autumn 2022. It was a complex scheme during which we faced multiple engineering challenges because of the depth of the gas main.
“This caused a delay to our timescales and meant we were unable to complete the following phase within a reasonable timeframe without impacting customers and businesses during the busy Christmas period.
“Collaborating closely with North Yorkshire County Council, we’ve worked hard to review the remaining work and plan this final phase in a way that minimises impact to residents and local businesses as much as possible.
“Our Customer Care officers will be visiting customers throughout the coming weeks to update them on the works and understand any questions or concerns people may have.
“We thank customers for their patience in the meantime as we work to complete this project as safely and 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.
ENDS