Northern Gas Networks, the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers on Middlegate and King Street in Penrith throughout January and February 2024.
The companies ageing metal pipework will be replaced by new durable plastic pipes, The company says will ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers now while getting the network ready to transport alternative greener fuels in the future.
The work will start on Wednesday 3rd January and is expected to last for up to 8 weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Westmorland and Furness Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place during the works.
Phase 1 will include road closures, these will be present along Middlegate, Brunswick Road and Corney Street from Wednesday 3rd January for 2 weeks. Westmorland and Furness Council have asked Norther Gas Network to incorporate parking bay suspensions along Portland Place that forms part of the diversion route.
Wednesday 3rd - Friday 26th January 2024
Phase 2 of the works will include two road closures on Devonshire Street and Market Square from Monday 22nd January for 2 weeks. 22nd January - 5th February 2024
The final phase of the work commences on King Street where there will also be a road closure from Monday 5th February for 3 weeks. 5th February - 8th March 2024
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times throughout the works. Northern Gas Networks has said it will share any updates if this were to change.
Signs will be displayed for motorists and a full signed diversion put in place.
While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access customer properties and businesses to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.
Dan Hind, Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Penrith”.
“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”
Signs have already appeared at all the entrance roads to Penrith waring of possible delays due to the gas works. The closure of Brunswick road and Corney Place to traffic is expected to cause substantial disruption as traffic is forced to detour around the town during the closure.
Part of the works will result in the cobbled road in Devonshire street excavated by Norther Gas Networks they have confirmed that the cobble square sets can not be reused and will be relaced with an alternative that will appear white when first replaced but that should weather to match the current cobbled road surface over time.
Westmorland and Furness Council have been asked to confirm if the council intends to support local business in Penrith through January and February by making the town pay and display carparks free throughout the period of the road works.
Our interactive map of diversion routes and road closure sections and dates can be found at https://penrith.town/penrith-road-closure-map
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