Final phase of £1.65m investment in gas pipes due to begin
Wales & West Utilities is set to start the final phase of a £1.65m investment scheme in new gas pipes in Bassaleg and surrounding areas. The work, which will start on 13 July, will bring a safe and reliable gas supply to the area for years to come.
Following the successful completion of the first phase of this work – laying more than 6km of new gas pipes between Rhiwderin and Machen, in 2014, the second and final phase of work will include replacing approximately 5km of old metal gas pipes and 400 service connections across Bassaleg, Pentre-poeth and Rhiwderin.
This essential work is part of the company’s multi-million-pound 30-year mains replacement programme, across Wales and the south west of England, which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.
Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with the local highways department in planning the scheme. Local councillors and community councils have been briefed and kept updated on plans, and a drop in session has been held in the community to answer any questions local people may have. We have also written to business parks and industrial estates in the area so companies can let their employees know about the potential disruption the work may cause for their commute.
To minimise disruption for this second and final phase of work it has been split it into four phases. It is anticipated that all phases of work will be complete by Spring 2016.
- Stage one will involve laying 1km of new gas pipe on the junction of Court Crescent, Forge Lane, Forge Road, Vicarage Close and Caerphilly Road. This work is due to begin on 13 July – although our team will be carrying out preparatory work in the area the week before. From 13 July, two and three way traffic lights will be needed on the junction of Forge Road, Viaduct Way and Laurel Road. Barring any unforeseen engineering difficulties, we anticipate this work will be completed within six weeks.
- Stage two will begin after the completion of stage one, and will involve laying 1km of new gas pipe in Caerphilly Road, Laurel Road, Laurel Drive, Duffryn Close and Graig Close. For the duration of this stage of work, there will be two way lights on the carriageway of Caerphilly Road, moving west as the work progresses. Barring any unforeseen engineering difficulties, we anticipate this work will be completed within six weeks.
- Stage three will begin after the completion of stage two, and will involve laying 1km of new gas pipe in Caerphilly Road, Pentrepoeth Road, Foxwood Close, Highfield Lane, Highfield Gardens and Channel View. For the duration of this work there will be two way traffic lights on Caerphilly Road and temporary road closures may be required. All road closures will be agreed with the local authority, advertised well in advance and diversion routes will be clearly signposted. Barring any unforeseen engineering difficulties, we anticipate this work will be completed within 13 weeks.
- Stage four will begin after the completion of stage three, and will involve laying 2km of new gas pipe in Caerphilly Road, Caerphilly Close, Laurel Road, Cwm Cwddy Drive, Clearwell Court, Cwm Dylan Close, Sunnybank, Parkwood Drive and Pant Glas Court. For the duration of the work there will be two and three way traffic lights on Caerphilly Road, Laurel Road and Caerphilly Close. Barring any unforeseen engineering difficulties, we anticipate this work will be completed within 14 weeks.
This work, and the traffic management needed to make sure pedestrians, road users and our workforce are kept safe, has been agreed with the local authority.
Wales & West Utilities programme controller, Francis Kirk, said:
“We will have a team on site throughout the project. Where necessary they will work over the weekend to make sure that we get the job finished quickly and efficiently and minimise disruption for local people and businesses.
“This work is essential to support Bassaleg, Rhiwderin and Pentre-poeth communities now and into the future. We have successfully completed the first phase of work – laying more than 6km of new gas pipe between Rhiwderin and Machen in 2014. This final phase of work will include replacing approximately 5km of old metal pipes and 400 service connections across the area. We would like to thank local people for bearing with us whilst we carry out this essential work.”
Councillor John Harris, Community Councillor for Bassaleg on Graig Community Council, added:
“I’m happy that Wales & West Utilities put on a drop in session to address issues and concerns raised by local residents, and the members of the project team who attended were very helpful and knowledgeable. I understand that this work is essential to support Bassaleg and surrounding areas, and it’s important that Wales & West Utilities continues to keep people informed as it progresses.”
Once work is underway people can always approach the team on site with any questions or alternatively ring our customer services team on free phone 0800 912 2999 or 02921 678 455.
And if you can smell gas, think you have a gas leak, or suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.