The north of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing almost £100,000 to upgrade the ageing gas mains in Close, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing more than 250m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes. This will ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The six-week project, which is due to start on Monday 29 January 2018, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Newcastle City Council to ensure as little disruption as possible.

In order to carry out works safely and efficiently, temporary two-way traffic lights will be in place for the full duration of the project. Works will begin from underneath the high-level bridge on the eastbound carriageway before progressing and ending outside the Copthorne Hotel in Newcastle Quayside.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers will be door-knocking local residents and businesses to make people aware of the work, while on-site signage will provide advance notification to road users. Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.

Richie Manuel, Business Operational Leader for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with Newcastle City Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to shops, businesses and road users.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter, and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project 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.