Metallic gas pipes that were installed in Manningtree in the 1950s are to be upgraded to tough new plastic ones which will future-proof the network for decades to come.
Work is due to get underway on Monday 13 July, but residents and business owners in the area are invited to attend a public event to learn more about these essential gas works taking place. The event will give everyone the opportunity to learn more about the necessity for the project and how the work will affect everyone on a day-to-day basis.
Between 11am and 1pm on Monday 6 July, customer teams from Cadent will have a gazebo set up on the grassed area at the crossroads of Long Road, New Road, Clacton Road, and Trinity Road in Manningtree, for people to call at and learn more about the project.
There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.
The project is part of a £123million investment this year, which will see more than 395km of pipes upgraded across the East of England.
Following consultation with Essex County Council, Cadent will carry out this essential work over a four-week period with completion expected by Friday 7 August.
Due to the location of the gas pipes, there will need to be a road closure so that engineers can work safely in the carriageway. The closure will run along Dead Lane from the junction of Chequers Lane to the junction of Clacton Road which will also have a section of road closed. Diversion routes will be put in place with advanced warning.
Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network have been very well used over the past 70 years but it’s time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people understand this project is essential to maintain a long-term safe gas supply.
Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.
If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
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