Massive project in pipeline as old gas mains to be replaced

The multi-million pound package has been announced by Northern Gas Networks, the region’s gas distribution company, to replace old gas pipes across Yorkshire.

Cash has been earmarked for West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, East Riding and Hull for the 2012/13 financial year, to replace more than 470km of old metal gas mains with modern plastic pipes.

This investment for pre-planned work will be supplemented with further money for contingency work, such as emergency repairs.

Howard Forster, Northern Gas Networks Director of Programme Investment, said last night: “This major investment package is good news for families and businesses in Yorkshire, as it will deliver a safer, more reliable gas network.

“The new pipes are far more durable, and will serve the area well for decades to come.

“Customers will be kept informed of where and when schemes will be taking place throughout the year. We will work closely with local communities to minimise any inconvenience arising from work.”

Money will be invested in a number of schemes spanning across the region, according to engineers.

In Bradford, £6.7m will be invested in 2012/13 with 65km of pipes replaced; while in Barnsley, 5.4km of ageing pipes will be replaced at a cost of £557,000.

In Calderdale 26km will be replaced at a cost of £2.9m, while in Doncaster 0.9km £123,000 will be invested upgrading 0.9km of pipes; in Kirklees 92km of piping will be changed and in Leeds engineers will replace 116km at a cost of £11.1m.

In East Riding, Northern Gas Networks, will invest £4.2m upgrading 38km of piping; in Hull 14km will be upgraded at a cost of £1.9m and in York 27km will be replaced at a cost of £3.3m.

In North Yorkshire gas chiefs will invest £4.1m updating 38km of piping and in Wakefield Northern Gas Networks will spend £5.9m upgrading 53km of piping.

Northern Gas Networks will inform customers about where and when the works are taking place as at a later date.

The company serves a total of 2.7 million customers, and looks after 37,000km of pipes. Its engineers also handle the emergency response in the region for customers who report a smell of gas by calling the national emergency gas line – 0800 111 999.