Essential gas works on Wincolmlee, near the River Hull, are now set to last until “mid-October”, Northern Gas Networks has confirmed. The work was due to be completed by the end of this month.
However, the project has been set back due to it being “more challenging and complicated” than anticipated. Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out the work to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.
Due to the works, Wincolmlee has been shut between the Air Street and Bankside Park junctions. NGN has explained the delay, stating: “This project has proved to be more challenging and complicated than we originally anticipated.
“Our investigations found that a large area of metallic pipework required permanently replacing with a more durable plastic version, which will greatly reduce the risk of gas leaks in this location in the future.”
The gas distributor explained that, initially, a temporary traffic light system had been put in place in an attempt to minimise disruption. However, due to the size of the pipe replacement required, to ensure the safety of engineers a full road closure was needed.
Chris Keith, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to local homes and businesses.
“This is a very complex project involving a number of stakeholders as well as specialist equipment, and our teams are working as hard as possible to complete the replacement and reopen the road as quickly as possible.”
Businesses who have lost money as a result of the work may be eligible to claim compensation through a form. For further information about the work, you can 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.
NGN is also currently carrying out gas main installation work on St George’s Road. A road closure at the junction with Hessle Road is set to be in place until October 6.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
