Wales & West Utilities is carrying out a £160,000 project to upgrade the gas pipes on one of the main routes in and out of Gloucester.

The work involves working along Gloucester’s Barnwood Road to upgrade over 1km kilometres of old metal gas pipes to new plastic ones and is essential to keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area so that people are safe and warm for generations to come.

The investment scheme began this week and, barring engineering difficulties, is likely to be complete by the end of July.

As part of the essential work, it has been agreed with Gloucester City Council that during the first two weeks of the project lane closures will be in place to traffic approaching and leaving the Walls roundabout. For the remainder of the scheme rolling three-way traffic lights will be in place at junctions along Barnwood Road towards Hucclecote.

Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for the area, Mick Gallavin, is managing the work and said:

“We know that working on roads like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future."

“Most of the gas network is underground and out of sight but it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Gloucester and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it."

“This work will not only keep the gas flowing safely and reliably today, it will also help make sure the gas network is fit for the future and can play its part in delivering reliable and affordable green energy.”

“We’ll be working as safely and as quickly as possible to make sure the work is completed in a timely fashion, while keeping inconvenience to a minimum for local people and road users.”

Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999 or enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities.