Gas pipes in Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, which were installed when speedway first came to Foxhall Stadium, are to be upgraded to new, durable plastic pipes which will future-proof the network for decades to come.
Cadent is set to replace more than 3,000 metres of ageing gas pipes originally laid in the 1950s in Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, and nearby roads, helping to keep local homes and businesses connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.
The project is part of Cadent’s ongoing investment to upgrade older gas mains across the East of England, replacing ageing pipes with modern plastic ones that are more durable and ready for the future.
Work is scheduled to begin on Monday 23 November 2026, with permits in place for 19 weeks until March 2027.
Work will take place in Hadleigh Road, with additional work in Larchwood Close, Anita Close East, Lavenham Road, Allenby Road, Copperfield Road, Dombey Road, Dunlop Road, Harris Road, Anita Close West, Elton Park, Dickens Road, Hyntle Close, and Lavenham Road.
Ahead of work taking place, Cadent will be holding a public event between 2pm and 4pm on Monday 16 November 2026 on the grass verge at the junction of Dickens Road and Pickwick Road (What3Words ///pipe.rots.wakes). Businesses and residents are welcome to attend the event to ask any questions and raise any concerns. There is no need to book an appointment, please just come along and chat to the team.
Multiway traffic lights will be in place throughout the work with a section of Hadleigh Road, between Hyntle Close and Lavenham Road, being closed for three weeks in February 2027. Any diversion routes will be clearly displayed, and access will remain in place for residents living within the work area. Please leave additional time for journeys in the area.
Work is scheduled to take place in the following roads between the shown dates*:
Eleanor Buxton, Head of External Strategic Partnerships at Cadent, said: “In this part of Ipswich, more than 85 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely and reliably to them, for many decades to come.
We know roadworks can be frustrating, but we have worked closely with the council to put together a plan which will keep disruption to a minimum while this essential work takes place.
This investment will help make sure the local gas network remains safe, reliable and ready to support the community for decades to come.
Gas supplies remain 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 time while the property is connected to 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.
*Dates of work are subject to change.
**All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
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