OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid will start work this month on a six-month project to replace a gas transmission pipeline beneath the River Eden near Carlisle in Cumbria.

Engineers will be drilling under the river from a point between Linstock and Crosby-on-Eden on the north side to a point near Aglionby on the south side. Local gas supplies will not be affected.

The existing pipeline is being replaced at a greater depth because of river bed erosion caused by past flooding events in this location. About 550 metres of new pipeline is needed, of which around 50 metres will be beneath the river. The work represents an investment of GBP 5 million in the area's gas pipeline network.

For safety reasons, there will be a temporary speed restriction and warning signs on the A689 during the work. Footpaths and cycle ways will stay open. Work will start in mid-May and is expected to be complete by the end of October.

Mark Whittaker, project manager, said: “We're putting in a new section of pipe which will be laid at a greater depth under the river bed. This will protect it from future erosion and ensure we can continue to deliver gas safely and reliably. We will be drilling beneath the river bed so we can install the new pipeline without affecting the river itself.”