A pioneering gas and water scheme in Wigan is expected to save four weeks of disruption

By bringing two projects into a single scheme, Cadent and United Utilities will save four weeks of disruption for residents in Ince, as well as reduce carbon emissions.

Gas and water mains are being replaced by more durable plastic pipes, which will future-proof both networks.

Work will take place on De Trafford Drive and Hemfield Road, starting on Monday and completing by the end of March.

Instead of two separate rounds of digging, barriers and other activity – which can often take place weeks or months apart – the upgrades will happen in a single scheme.

The work is being managed by Network Plus, with on‑site activity carried out by PGL Pipelines.

Although similar schemes have been completed at the same time in London, this is thought to be the first time a project has been delivered in the UK by the same contractor - PGL’s engineers are dual-skilled and can work on each utility.

To minimise disruption, there will be no road closures or traffic lights in Ince, although parking will be restricted for periods in certain areas.

Barriers will be placed around excavations, while access will be maintained to homes.

Coun Paul Prescott, Wigan Council's portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: "I’m pleased that Wigan borough is ahead of the game with this scheme, as it is a pioneering project to upgrade two essential utilities at the same time.

"Working with partners such as Cadent, United Utilities and PGL, this approach not only improves essential infrastructure, it will drastically reduce disruption in the long-term and potentially become a model for future collaborative upgrades across our borough."

C adent plans to upgrade more than 2,000km of pipes in the North West over the next five years and United Utilities will replace 925km of pipes by 2030, representing around £1billion investment in the region.

Lucy Sterry, head of work management at Cadent (North West), said: “Combining two major upgrades into one set of roadworks is a big step forward for how we plan our essential gas mains upgrades.

“It won’t be possible on every job, because some utilities simply can’t be worked on safely together and some streets don’t have the space.

"But where it is possible, and where we can safely co-ordinate, we absolutely want to do more of this. It means less digging, fewer teams on site, shorter disruption for residents and a lower overall carbon impact.

"This project is the first of its kind in the North West and we’re already looking at where the approach could work next.”

Jo Power, programme manager at United Utilities, added: “Our work to upgrade water mains across the region will safeguard water supplies for millions of customers. We know this work inevitably causes some disruption and we work hard to keep that to a minimum.

"Being able to deliver this scheme in Wigan together with Cadent is an exciting development and we hope to be able to do more of this in the future.”

Gas and water supplies may need to be turned off at times, but cards will be put through residents' doors at least 48 hours before to inform them.