Wales & West Utilities is starting a scheme to replace 240 metres of gas pipes in Torrington to ensure people continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas for years to come.
The work on Calf Street is due to start on Wednesday 22 July and will take approximately six weeks to complete. The work, which sees the company replace old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones that have a lifespan of more than 80 years, is essential for future development within the area. Approximately 100 connections supplying gas to homes along the street will also be completed.
In advance of work Wales & West Utilities visited residents of East Street and Well Street to discuss any specific needs.
The traffic management plan, which is required to make sure that road users, pedestrians and the company’s work force is kept safe, has been agreed with the local authority. Calf Street will be closed whilst work is ongoing however access will be maintained for residents at all times.
Two diversion routes will be in place:
- Heavy Goods Vehicles normally using Calf Street will follow a diversion via Bideford and Barnstaple. This will be clearly signposted.
- Local and light vehicles will be able to use East Street and Well Street as a diversion route. To ensure this route is kept clear and traffic can continue to flow, parking will be restricted on these roads whilst work is ongoing.
Wales & West Utilities First Line Manager Nick Rees will manage the scheme and said:
“We know that working on a strategic route is not ideal, but this really is essential work that will support the growth of the area into the future.
“We’ve worked closely with Devon County Council in planning this work and we are minimising disruption to residents and commuters by undertaking the scheme during the six week school holidays.
“The Great Torrington Cavaliers Trumpton bonfire on 29 August will take place as planned and we will suspend our work and make sure our road closure is temporarily removed for the event.
“There have been several leaks on this pipe in the last few years and we are carrying out this work now so that we can reduce the risk of gas leaks occurring in the future.”
This work is part of the company’s multi-million-pound 30-year mains replacement programme, across Wales and the south west, 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.
Once we start work, 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 anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide leaks, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.