OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid engineers are to carry out essential gas mains renewal work over a 25 week period in Hollins Road, Oldham.

A total of 700 metres of metal gas mains will be replaced in total, with work scheduled to start on Monday 26th May. Work will take place on the stretch between Copster Hill and Heron Street. Howgill Crescent will be closed at its junction with Hollins Road opposite Copster Hill for approximately six weeks from the start of the project. Temporary traffic lights will be in operation during this closure.

National Grid is carrying out the work in Oldham in partnership with Balfour Beatty. It is part of an on-going programme to replace metal gas mains with modern plastic gas pipes designed to last at least 80 years.

Stephen Murray, contract manager, National Grid said: “People across Oldham enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply and our job is to make sure it stays that way. The new mains we are laying will last at least 80 years so while there will be some traffic delays in the short term, the long term benefit will be mains which will last for many decades to come.

“We'll be replacing mains on a number of main roads and in residential areas. We promised we'll let people know when we're about to start work. We'll get the job done as quickly and as tidily as possible. We'll do our best to keep traffic flowing and to make sure streets and driveways remain accessible.

“If people want to know more about our work and how it will affect them, they can get in touch with us on 0161 703 1000 or 1010.”

A video which shows what people can expect to see during the operation to renew gas mains in their street can be viewed on Google or YouTube by entering National Grid Gas Mains Replacement (UK) in the search box.

National Grid will be renewing around 430km of gas mains in the North West over the next twelve months. This is part of GBP 22 billion programme of investment in the company's energy networks in the UK and US over a five year period.