OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid's engineers have begun a major scheme to replace gas mains across Wandsworth.

Work recently began in Vauxhall and engineers will be working along Nine Elms Lane and Battersea Park Lane until October 2014.

The work is part of a major £40million project to replace ageing metallic gas mains with tough new plastic pipes across London. This work is essential to support economic growth and maintain the capital's position as a 21st Century city and will help ensure businesses, schools, community facilities and homes continue to enjoy safe and reliable energy supplies.

The latest and most efficient technology is being used to deliver the work with the new pipes being inserted into the old ones wherever possible. This dramatically reduces the need for digging and minimises any disruption to road users and residents.

Work will also be halted to on 9/10 August to ensure there is no adverse impact on the Prudential RideLondon event.

Some bus lane closures are being implemented between Cringle Street and Wandsworth Road, to enable work to be carried out safely and efficiently. These will be kept to a minimum and bus services will continue to run along the route.

Mick Morris, National Grid principle project engineer said: “Replacing the old gas mains is vital for the area's regeneration and will help support economic growth and maintain London's status as a leading 21st Century city.

“It's a vital piece of the redevelopment jigsaw on the South Bank.”

He added: “National Grid is using the latest and most efficient technology to minimise disruption and avoid noise.

“We've also planned our work very carefully with others to ensure it's delivered as smoothly as possible and that we work around events such as RideLondon.”

The work will not result in any interruptions to the local gas supply and the National Grid team will not require access to any properties in the area.

Further gas mains replacement is planned for Wandsworth with work expected to continue in the area until August 2015.

The local community and surrounding businesses will be kept informed about the progress of the project.