National Grid to Replace Gas Mains in Blackpool

National Grid, a UK-based operator of regulated electricity and gas infrastructure networks, has announced that it is planning to replace 256 meters of low and medium pressure gas mains in Blackpool, as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the gas supply network in northwest UK.

According to the company, the work will start on September 29, 2008, and is expected to be completed by the end of March 2009. The streets which will be affected by the work are Salthouse Avenue, Erdington Road, Chadwick Street and Princess Street.

The work in Blackpool will see all metallic mains replaced with modern plastic ones within a specific postcode area. If left undisturbed once in the ground, the new pipes will have a lifespan of around 80 years.

The work will also allow for the isolation of the gas holder site in Princess Street from the mains network so that the gas holders can be decommissioned.

The work to renew the gas mains is part of a national project agreed with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for replacing metallic mains across Britain. In all, the program will see National Grid renew 15,000km of gas pipe over an eight year period. National Grid is replacing 565km of gas mains in northwest UK in 2008-09 at a cost of GBP84 million.