This is why a critical eight week gaswork project in Calderdale will continue despite lockdown

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England is carrying out critical work in Burnley Road, Hebden Bridge.

NGN said the ageing main has undergone several recent emergency repairs, so has now been prioritised for urgent replacement.

The essential work involves replacing 200 metres of old metal gas main with new, more durable plastic pipes.

The eight-week project is taking place at the Burnley Road junction with Station Road and Commercial Street, having been planned in collaboration with Calderdale Council.

NGN said to ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the local community at this time, the work is being carried out exclusively in the street, observing strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and following health and safety guidance.

Engineers will return at a later date to complete work on customers properties when it is safe to do so.

In order for engineers to carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be necessary.

The project began on March 27 March and lasting three weeks,

Phase One will involve temporary three-way lights on Burnley Road and Station Road, which will be manually operated and adjusted to accommodate a smooth flow of traffic.

Phase Two will involve two-way lights on Burnley Road for two weeks.

Phase Three will see two-way lights introduced on Burnley Road, and a partial road closure on Keighley Road.

The left-hand turn on to Commercial Street from Burnley Road will be suspended, and traffic will use Albert Road. The right-hand turn will remain open, so traffic travelling from Halifax towards Hebden Bridge will continue to be able to turn right on to Keighley Road.

Signs will be displayed for motorists and a full signed diversion put in place.

All temporary traffic lights will be manned by two operatives Monday to Friday between 7am until 7pm, and 8am – 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

At peak times, operatives will use stop and go boards to manage traffic in the best way possible.

Chris Nevison, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works, however it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Hebden Bridge.

“NGN is continuing to carry out essential services whilst observing strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and following health and safety guidance during the Coronavirus

outbreak.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

In line with UK Government guidance NGN is continuing to carry out essential services including responding to gas emergencies, carrying out emergency repairs and undertaking critical

maintenance activities, to ensure communities continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

To ensure it can continue to deliver the highest standards of service, and to protect its colleagues, customers and our communities, NGN is suspending the majority of its planned work programme until further notice.