Drivers travelling through the Horsley area of Nailsworth are being warned to allow extra time from 7 September, when Wales & West Utilities begins a major gas-pipe upgrade project expected to continue until 5 November.
The work is designed to replace ageing sections of the gas network and help maintain safe and reliable supplies to homes and businesses in the area. Wales & West Utilities says the project has been planned with Gloucestershire County Council following a drop-in session for local residents earlier in the month.
Where traffic controls will be in place
Traffic management will operate throughout the work. At the start, three-way traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Horsley Hill and Narrowcut Lane.
As the work moves along Horsley Hill, the three-way system is expected to be reduced to two-way traffic lights. The company says road closures may also be needed, although these will be introduced only for short periods.
Motorists using Horsley Hill and Narrowcut Lane are advised to plan ahead and allow sufficient travel time. The arrangements are intended to enable engineers to work safely while keeping traffic moving where possible.
Part of wider Gloucestershire investment
The Nailsworth project forms part of a wider Wales & West Utilities programme to invest more than £7.5 million in gas-pipe upgrades across Gloucestershire over the next two years.
The broader mains-replacement programme will upgrade nearly 26 kilometres of gas pipes. The company says the work will benefit approximately 2,600 local customers as it renews infrastructure that carries gas to properties across the area.
Ryan Barkway is managing the Nailsworth work for Wales & West Utilities. He said the company would continue working with the local authority and keep communities informed as projects are planned and delivered.
“We are committed to keep the local community updated of our progress as we work to upgrade our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve across the area. We’ll continue to work closely with the local authority, and commit to keep communities informed as projects are planned and delivered.”
He acknowledged that the works could cause disruption but said the upgrades were necessary to maintain a resilient network for households and businesses.
“We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and business can rely on every day.”
The company said the gas network supports everyday activities including heating homes and cooking meals, even though much of the infrastructure is underground and out of sight.
“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.”
How to check the work and report an emergency
Residents can find information about projects in their area at wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects. Wales & West Utilities also provides guidance on what customers can expect during gas-pipe upgrades at wwutilities.co.uk/services/gas-pipe-upgrades.
Wales & West Utilities transports gas through an underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres and supplies energy infrastructure for more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south-west of England. It does not sell gas.
Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available around the clock to respond to reports and help keep people safe.
