OREANDA-NEWS. National Grid engineers will start work on Saturday (15 February) on work to renew a 120 metre length of gas main across the junction of Crosby Road South and Cambridge Road.

The work is part of a GBP 2m, three year-long project to replace 5km of metal gas mains with modern plastic pipes which are designed to have a lifespan of at least 80 years once they are in the ground.

Engineers will put up temporary traffic lights at the junction of Crosby Road South and Cambridge Road on Saturday and they will be in place for one week. The lights are expected to have an impact on traffic in the Waterloo and Seaforth area. Diversion routes will be signposted. The work has been timed to coincide with school half term week to try to reduce road congestion.

Stephen Murray, Head of Contract West, National Grid said: “People in the Crosby area enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply and our job is to make sure it stays that way.

“Over a three year period, we'll be replacing pipes on a number of main roads and in residential areas. Next week, we'll be working on a particularly busy road junction. We'll do our best to keep the traffic moving during our work.”

National Grid will be renewing around 450km of gas mains in the North West this financial year. 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.

Stephen added: “We have a vital role to play in the UK energy industry. We must continue to provide a safe, reliable and efficient service and to help the Government meet the UK's environmental targets. To deliver this we have to become a much more innovative company, drive through efficiencies, and work more closely with our customers and stakeholders to meet their expectations of us. “