SGN, a UK gas distribution company, commenced the first phase of a major infrastructure upgrade project along the full length of Luton Road on February 5, lasting for an estimated period of seven weeks. The £590,000 project involves the replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipes to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area. These works form part of SGN's 30-year replacement programme, following research that plastic pipes are more flexible and robust with the potential to last for decades. The first phase of the project will focus on the northern end of Luton Road, starting at the junction with Chatham Hill (A2). Manually controlled temporary traffic lights will be in place for approximately five weeks, while the bus lane on Chatham Hill between the junctions of Thorold Road and Luton Road will be suspended during this time period. Following the completion of this first stage, the team of SGN engineers will progressively continue the replacement works southwards along Luton Road into Luton High Street. Engineers will be replacing the old gas mains and associated service pipes along the western side of the road in sections, mainly on the footpath. Temporary traffic lights may have to be installed at times when work has to be undertaken in the carriageway, although these will be manually controlled in order to assist traffic flow along Luton Road. Arriva has released information regarding the local bus services that will be affected by the roadworks. Chatham Hill services:
Luton Road services:
Motorists are urged to use alternative routes where possible, as delays along Chatham Hill and at the Luton Arches roundabout are expected. In addition, some sections of the footpath will be closed to pedestrians, although diversions will be in place to redirect those affected. During the first stage of the project at the junction with Chatham Hill, the team will be working seven days a week over the five-week period between 7am and 9pm. Following the completion of this section, the team will then work between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, as well as on Saturdays if necessary. A statement on the SGN website said: "The new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, Chatham residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come." SGN has also confirmed that the second phase of the project will involve the replacement of old gas mains on the eastern side of the road, although this is currently being planned in collaboration with Medway Council with further information to follow in the near future. You may find out more about SGN's upgrade of the gas network along Luton Road by visiting the dedicated press release on their website, or by reading the PDF information brochure. |
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August 2023
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