Wales & West Utilities is thanking residents of Midsomer Norton in bearing with them as it continues its vital scheme to replace almost two kilometres of gas pipe which will ensure the area continues to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas for years to come.
The scheme which began in March this year has, to date, involved work in and around Silver Street where two-way and three-way traffic lights have been in use. This scheme consists of essential work to replace old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones that have a lifespan of more than 80 years.
Prior to and during the scheme Wales & West Utilities has been in liaison with Bath & North East Somerset Council, which has agreed all traffic management plans, and has recently met with Councillor Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.
Last week saw the removal of the temporary traffic lights at the junction of Silver Street and High Street. The lights then moved to the section of Silver Street between Charlton Road and Lynwood Close to allow the workforce to work safely in this area. This section of work should be complete by the end of this week.
Two way traffic lights will then be in use from the junction of St Chad’s Avenue and Parkway. It is anticipated this will be complete and all traffic management removed from Silver Street by Monday 13 July.
Phase two of the scheme will commence on Monday 13 July in St Chads Avenue for approximately one week. Phase three will then begin on Monday 20 July on Station Road.
As part of this final phase, a full road closure will be in place for four weeks from the roundabout of Radstock Road to the junction of Welton Vale. Access for the residents of Station Road will be maintained. Following the completion of our work on Station Road, Bath & North East Somerset Council will resurface the area as part of their programme of work
Wales & West Utilities Operations Officer, Garth Lamb explains the delay to the work on Silver Street, he said:
“During this scheme we have encountered a number of unforeseen issues which have unfortunately resulted a slight delay to the first phase of work.
“Whilst carrying out excavation work, the existing main was found to be in an extremely bad condition filled with rust and debris, meaning we simply couldn’t insert a new pipe. We also found a small section of our pipe was surrounded by equipment of a third party utility.
“As you can imagine these issues have resulted in us having to carry out additional work in order to complete the planned work. We are grateful to local people and business owners for bearing with us during this essential work.”
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.
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 poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.