Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is starting works to carry out essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Ponteland.
The work will start on Saturday 17th July 2021 and is expected to last for up to eight weeks. The works have been carefully planned in collaboration with Northumberland County Council.
The ageing metal pipework in the area will be replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers.
The works will be carried out in three phases, beginning on North Road, Ponteland in a phase expected to last around four weeks, including weekend working to complete the section as quickly as possible.
Due to the location of the gas main and the safety of the local community and our workforce, and joint decision has been made between Northern Gas Networks and Northumberland County Council to close the road from The Blackbird Inn, to just past the entrance to The Grange.
Residents who live within this closure will still have access from the top of the closure (heading south). The road will be completely closed to motorists heading north.
Signs will be displayed for motorists and a full signed diversion put in place.
The traffic management is likely to impact journey times, so motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.
Works will then begin on North Road at the junction into Jackson Avenue on Monday 9th August 2021, lasting for up to two weeks including reinstatement. This phase should have minimal impact on residents.
Finally, works will start on West Road on Monday 16th August, lasting up to four weeks including reinstatement. Due to the location of the gas main on West Road, and to keep customers and engineers safe, it will be necessary to use temporary traffic lights.
Access will be maintained for residents.
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 may 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.
We are holding a Community Drop- In Event in the Bishop Merton Room, St Mary The Virgin Church Hall, Thornhill Rd, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9PZ, on Monday 12th July between the hours of 4pm and 6pm. Please come along to find out more about the project.
Richie Manuel, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Ponteland.
“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current coronavirus outbreak in England.
“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”
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.
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.