Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work to upgrade the ageing gas mains on Lowgate and Carr Lane, replacing them with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hull city centre for many years to come.
The first phase of the project is due to start on Lowgate from Tuesday 1st June 2021 and has been planned in collaboration with Hull City Council. It is expected to last around two weeks.
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 for the full duration of the work.
Lowgate will be closed to traffic from the junction with Alfred Gelder Street to the corner of Bowlalley Lane. The junction of Lowgate and Bowlalley Lane will also be closed, and there will be no access into Bowlalley Lane for motorists from Lowgate.
In addition, Hull City Council arrangements limiting access to the surrounding streets from Silver Street after 11am daily will stay in place. This is so that priority can be given to outside restaurant seating. Signs will be displayed for motorists and a fully signed diversion put in place, but road users are asked to leave extra time for their journeys.
The critical works on and around Lowgate are the latest phase of an investment programme by NGN to upgrade the ageing metallic gas network across Hull. We are working to minimise disruption to customers as much as possible, but the replacement of the existing pipes in Hull means that by upgrading to new plastic pipes, future disruption can be minimised, and the network futureproofed for another 100 years.
The next phase of this programme of investment will take place at the junction of Carr Lane and South Street in Hull city centre. This phase will begin on 14th June, last for a further three weeks and include a fully signed diversion.
Our Customer Care Team has written to nearby residents and business owners and has also been door knocking to speak directly to customers.
Russel Kaye, 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 customers in Hull.
“The project is part of a wider investment programme to upgrade the network and minimise future disruption to Hull customers.
“NGN is continuing to carry out essential services while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current lockdown in England.
“This work has been planned in close collaboration with Hull City Council, and 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.”
As well as NGN’s critical service (which include responding to gas emergencies, carrying out emergency repairs and critical maintenance activities) engineers are continuing to carry out work to upgrade critical infrastructure, including planned work to replace ageing metal gas pipes, where most of the work can be carried out safely in the street. While working outside, our engineers will follow Government guidelines for social distancing as much as possible. There are also extra safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid 19 secure.
Engineers will only request entry to a customer’s property if it is absolutely necessary; in order to ensure their safety, to keep the gas supply flowing, or at a customer’s request. 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. There will also be updates on NGN’s social media channels: we are on Twitter @NGNgas and on Facebook as Northern Gas Networks.
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.