86-year-old Stockport gas pipeline set for replacement as part of £80 million upgrade programme

Essential work to upgrade one of the oldest sections of gas pipeline in the Stockport area begins in Longhurst Lane, Mellor, on Monday 2 December.

Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is carrying out the work as part of an £80 million investment in the network. Work will see more than 420 km of pipes upgraded in North West England, including 19 km in the Stockport borough.

As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, work will also help get the local gas network ready for more cleaner gases, like biomethane. Nearly 650 m of pipeline, which carries gas to heat thousands of homes and understood to have been installed in 1938, will be upgraded during this work in Mellor.

Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s Investment Planning Office, North West, said:

“This part of the network has served the area well for more than 85 years.

“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this creates for the local community through roadworks – has got too frequent. It’s time to call an end to that by replacing these old pipes.

“We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

“We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing as best we can, with access to homes and businesses.

“Unfortunately, due to the location of the existing pipeline, part of this work will include us needing to use traffic lights and the later stages will require a full road closure. We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Starting near the junction with the Devonshire Arms pub, the work heads back along Longhurst Lane, in six phases of around 100 m each. With a pause over Christmas, the plan is to be finished by the end of January.

From 2 December, traffic lights will be used to enable the Cadent teams to work on the pipeline under the road. This phase will end around 20 December, with roads reinstated and all signs of work removed. While the road stays open during this phase, motorists are advised to allow extra journey time.

From 2 January, due to this section of pipeline being more central to the road, Longhurst Lane will be closed, with a diversion in place. Access will be maintained only for residents, emergency vehicles and other essential services, such as bin lorries. All other traffic will be guided to follow a diversion route agreed with Stockport Council.

The gas will stay on for the duration of the work, with only properties taking a direct feed from the pipes being replaced facing any disruption – advance notice will be given and more information will be provided to these properties.