Cadent Begins Swarkestone Gas Main Replacement
Cadent will replace about 0.6 miles of aging gas main in Swarkestone beginning in February, part of a broader effort to modernize distribution infrastructure and reduce methane emissions.
(P&GJ) — Cadent will begin work in early February to replace approximately 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of aging gas main in Swarkestone, Derbyshire, as part of a planned network upgrade aimed at maintaining system safety and reliability.
The project will involve the decommissioning of metallic gas pipes originally installed in 1955 and replacing them with modern plastic pipe designed to operate for decades. Construction is scheduled to begin on Feb. 4, and is expected to be completed by April 20, according to the company.
Work will take place along Derby Road, Swarkestone Road, Church Lane, and Pingle Lane, with temporary traffic management in place throughout the 12-week construction period. Cadent said the work plan was developed in coordination with Derbyshire County Council.
Engineers will use multiway traffic lights due to the location of the existing gas main, allowing crews to work safely while maintaining vehicle access through the area.
Richard Sansom, Network Director for Cadent in the East Midlands, said: “Here at Cadent, we have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year.
“In this part of Swarkestone, more than 70 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
“These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
“We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities to try our best to ensure that we minimize disruption, whilst we carry out these essential works.
“We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people can accept this project is essential to maintain a safe gas supply.”
Cadent said gas service will remain active throughout the project, with only short, same-day interruptions expected for properties directly connected to the sections of pipe being replaced. Advance notice will be provided to affected customers.
The company advised residents to contact the National Gas Emergency Service immediately if they smell gas, regardless of whether construction is underway.