Work to begin to replace gas pipe under busy Wigan road in month-long project
Drivers on a busy Wigan road could face delays as work is carried out to replace an “ageing” gas pipe.
A section of Wigan Road in Aspull, near the junction with Higher Lane, is set to be closed for the whole of August, with temporary traffic lights in place.
It will allow engineers from Cadent Gas to carry out work to replace part of a gas pipe, which has leaked in the past, with new plastic pipes.
The work, which begins on Saturday and runs until September 1, has been scheduled so that it falls during school holidays, but there could still be disruption for drivers using the busy route.
Lucy Sterry, head of work management at Cadent (North West), said: “From Saturday, August 1, our engineers will begin work to replace a 300m section of gas pipe beneath Wigan Road, Aspull, after the junction with Higher Lane. This project will complete within the school summer holidays to reduce disruption.
“We are calling time on this aging section of pipe, that has shown previous signs of leakage – and replacing it with new plastic pipes, that will keep residents warm.
“Due to the complexity of this project, we will need to complete this work under two-way temporary traffic lights. We appreciate your understanding as we complete this work as quickly and as safely as possible.
“If you smell gas, do not assume it is related to this work, call the national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.”
A post on Facebook by Aspull, New Springs and Whelley’s Labour councillors Chris Ready and Laura Flynn said: “This work has been timed to be during the school holidays when traffic is lighter, and not to clash with the temporary traffic lights on Haigh Road, which are due to finish on July 31.
"However, we know how much temporary traffic lights on Wigan Road/Whelley causes problems and annoys people so apologies for the inconvenience. It is work that is needed and this was judged to be the least problematic time to do it.”
Electricity North West has been carrying out work on Haigh Road since Monday July 20, which is expected to finish on Friday.