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 Silksworth Road, Sunderland.
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 for many years to come.
The work will start on Tuesday 4th May 2021 and is expected to last for six weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Sunderland City Council. Our work was originally planned for March, but we postponed due to an unstable retaining wall next to the road, which required urgent repair.
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.
We will have two and three-way temporary traffic lights following our works along Silksworth Lane, then left onto Silksworth Road. The works will start at the junction of Silksworth Lane and Cavalier Way, then move down Silksworth Lane, turn left along Silksworth Road, finishing at the junction with Rutland Avenue.
Signs will be displayed for motorists and a full signed diversion put in place. Motorists are asked to allow extra time for their journeys.
NGN is carrying out work in line with government Covid-19 guidance, carrying out safety-critical services including responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance, as well as planned work to replace ageing metal gas mains which needs to be carried out urgently.
To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out in the street, following Government guidelines for safe distance working wherever possible. There are also extra safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid-19 secure.
Engineers will observe safe distance working and wear PPE at all times.
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.
There are extra safety precautions in place for working inside: NGN engineers will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser thoroughly before entering a property and wear a face mask and gloves; they will maintain a two metre distance and ask the householders to stay in another room while they work. Our engineers may also ask customers if they feel comfortable wearing a face mask themselves during a home visit.
Where customers are self-isolating, have symptoms or are at high clinical risk, engineers will wear full PPE when working indoors, including coveralls and eye protection.
Fergal O’Donovan, Business 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 in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Silksworth Lane and Silksworth Road.
“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.”
Customers can read more about our Covid Secure Promise at 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.