Work is set to start on the next phase of Wales & West Utilities £300,000 investment in Mountain Ash, which will make sure the area continues to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas for years to come.
Following successful work to replace 100 metres of old metal gas pipes across Mountain Ash town bridge in the Easter holidays, we are now starting work to lay new pipes down Oxford Street, into Miskin Road and some adjoining roads.
The work will start on 19 July and will be completed in three further phases:
- Phase two: Closure of Oxford Street between Commercial Street and Henry Street – the start of the one-way system. This will start on 19 July and is anticipated to take six weeks. A diversionary route will be clearly signposted and where possible, access will be maintained for deliveries to businesses.
- Phase three: Closure of Oxford Street between Henry Street and Darran Road. This is scheduled to start on 31 August and is anticipated to take six weeks. A diversionary route will be clearly signposted and where possible, access will be maintained for deliveries to businesses. To make sure traffic along the diversion routes flows as smoothly as possible, we are asking residents of Dyffryn Street, Graig Street, High Street, Llanwonno Road and other town centre streets and roads to park safely and considerately.
- Phase four will include the use of traffic lights on Miskin Road between Darran Road and Bailey Street. This is scheduled to start on 12 October and is anticipated to take six weeks.
Working alongside the local authority, we have agreed to contribute towards the cost of additional buses and resources so that the bus services affected by our work in the Mountain Ash area can maintain an acceptable level of service. As a gesture of goodwill, we’ve also agreed to cover the cost of parking in the town centre while Oxford Street is closed – so local people can get to the shops as easily as possible.
This is essential work to replace old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones that have a lifespan of more than 80 years, and has been agreed with the local authority. In advance of this work, we have carried out a full community engagement programme, and have visited retailers and other businesses individually to discuss any specific needs such as trade deliveries or gas reliant business processes. Two drop in sessions were also held in the local community, giving local people the opportunity to view the plans.
Wales & West Utilities programme controller, Francis Kirk, said:
“After finishing our work on the Mountain Ash town bridge over the Easter holidays, we are now ready to start working on Oxford Street. Although the closures will be disruptive in the short term, it is the only way we can carry out this work safely and efficiently. There have been several leaks on this pipeline in the last few years, and we are carrying out this work now so that we can reduce the risk of gas leaks occurring and the need for us to carry out costly and disruptive ad hoc repairs in the future. This work is essential to support the Mountain Ash community now and into the future.”
Gas pipes will also be replaced on residential streets in Mountain Ash between July and October. We do not expect this work to need a road closure or significant traffic management. It will take place on:
- Fernhill;
- Gwernifor Street;
- Ceridwen Street;
- Coplestone Street;
- Conybeare Street and
- Consort Street.
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, regular updates will be posted on our website: www.wwutilities.co.uk. 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 in the event that you can smell gas, think you may have a gas leak, or suspect carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.