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 around the Thorney Close area of Sunderland.
The ageing main has undergone several recent emergency repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement. 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.
The work will start on Monday 24th October on Durham Road (A690) at the junction of Thorney Close Road and Durham Road (A690) and will last approximately one week. The junction will be closed so motorists will be unable to access or exit Durham Road. For the duration of the works we will have a diversion in place for motorists. Two way traffic will be maintained on Durham Road via a contraflow system.
Signs will be displayed for motorists before and during the works.
This work has been planned in collaboration with Sunderland City Council to be carried out outside of school term time to help ease the build up of traffic.
However, there will still be some delays in the area, especially at commute times.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that might be caused by this work.
Ashley Whitfield, Site Manager 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 Sunderland.
“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.
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.