Disruption warning as 40 miles of gas pipes across Lancashire to be replaced

Work to replace around 40 miles of gas pipelines across Lancashire have been announced with motorists and residents warned to face disruption.

Cadent, which manages the region’s gas network, is investing £80 million over the next 12 months into upgrading the North West's gas mains - some of which were installed over 100 years ago. They will modernise around 420,000 metres of pipeline across the North West - the same height as more than 2,600 Blackpool Towers.

This also includes 65,000 metres worth of piping in Lancashire, with Ribble Valley the biggest recipient with more than 10,000 metres, followed by Blackpool and then Blackburn with Darwen. Cadent said the scheme will be delivered by 600 skilled gas engineers who will upgrade 'vital pipes' to plastic to ensure a long-term safe network, as well as remaining on track to replace fossil gas with greener alternatives, such as biomethane and hydrogen.

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Cadent bosses said the change is 'essential' to achieve local plans for meeting energy demands in ways that better protect the planet. As part of its commitment to keeping customers safe and warm, every year Cadent replaces around 1.5 per cent of its 34,000km North West underground distribution system.

These are mostly ageing metallic mains nearing the end of their safe operating lives. The work is part of a bigger 30-year engineering programme, which is happening across the UK and is due to finish in 2032.

Mark Syers, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West) who leads the team delivering Cadent’s gas mains upgrade work in the region, said: "More than 80 per cent of homes in the North West rely on gas for central heating and it’s our job to make sure they get it, safely and reliably, every minute of every day of the year.

"As our older stock reaches the end of its safe working life, we must replace it. We’re also excited by the arrival soon of hydrogen to our networks, which is going to be essential to the North West achieving its targets to reduce carbon emissions.

"In most cases we’re able to insert the new pipe into the old one, a technique that reduces the time of each project and means we don’t have to dig as much. It also means an end to what often becomes increasingly-frequent visits – with associated disruption – to repair faults on the older metallic mains, as they start to show signs of age.

"We know it’s not ideal, but my team is determined to move as quickly as they safely can and get the work done with as little disruption as possible."

Metres of pipe to be upgraded in 2024-25, by local authority area:

• Ribble Valley - 10132

• Blackpool - 9956

• Blackburn with Darwen - 7290

• South Ribble - 6819

• Burnley - 6804

• Chorley - 6226

• Wyre - 5490

• Rossendale - 5408

• Preston - 5041

• Lancaster - 4692

• Pendle - 4538

• West Lancashire - 3001

• Hyndburn - 2414

• Fylde - 2314

In a statement, Cadent said: "Cadent works with the local highways authorities to agree the best and least disruptive timings to carry out these essential upgrades. Once start dates have been confirmed, letters are sent to properties impacted ahead of the work starting.

"Part of the programme also involves replacing individual ‘service’ pipes of tens of thousands of properties at no extra cost for customers. Cadent makes all the arrangements and gives advance notice of when work will happen.

"Gas remains on throughout, although in some cases properties that take a direct feed from the pipe being replaced will lose supply for up to 12 hours, as their building is connected to the new main. Customer teams are available to answer any questions."