Major works are under way to replace a gas pipe that runs under one of Nottingham city centre’s busiest roads.
After 50 years carrying gas under London Road to help heat thousands of local homes and other buildings, the pipe needs replacing to ensure safety.
Cadent, which manages the East Midlands’ local gas network, is working with Nottingham City Council to complete this at the same time as its scheme to create exciting new (and link existing) cycle routes to and through the city.
“Working collaboratively in this way means two important jobs are completed in one set of roadworks,” said Richard Sansom, Director of Cadent’s East Midlands network, “which means least impact on commuters and our customers.”
This weekend (15 and 16 October), engineers from Cadent need to work under the pedestrian crossing in the middle of London Road, opposite the entrance to Station Street.
All roads will remain open, in all directions, with a reduction in the number of lanes open to traffic. This may lead to a build-up of traffic in the local area.
There should be no interruption to gas supply during this or any other phase of the works.
The old metallic mains pipe – commissioned in 1972 – is being replaced with a tough plastic pipe. Upgrading the network in this way helps get the network ready for the arrival soon of low-carbon hydrogen, as well as biomethane, which are seen as essential to local and national plans to achieve ‘net zero’ carbon emissions.
If you smell gas
If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999*. Do not delay, or assume it’s related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
Cadent – your local gas network
Cadent’s ‘East Midlands’ network covers a wide area that includes Nottinghamshire and large parts of Derbyshire, as well as South Yorkshire.
Beneath this region – under roads, footpaths and fields – are more than 29,000km of gas distribution pipes. These carry gas to 2.4 million homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other sites – for heat, hot water, cooking and industrial uses. If placed end to end, they’d reach Sydney, Australia, and come half-way back again.
Cadent manages this extensive network, as well as gas networks for North West England, East Anglia, West Midlands and North London. It is responsible for ensuring the network is operating safely and reliably, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Cadent will invest more than £3.4bn over the next five years (including more than £1.1bn in the Eastern England area) to maintain this network and get it ready for the arrival soon of greener, lower-carbon gases, such as hydrogen.
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