Disruption in Willows area of Grimsby as work goes on to replace 'decades-old' gas pipes
Work to replace "decades-old" gas pipes has led to "tailbacks" in the Willows area of Grimsby as regular traffic resumes after the school holidays.
There is a set of four-way temporary traffic lights in Cromwell Road, near Service Road 21, and other barriers in the vicinity to manage traffic and ensure safety as Cadent Gas carry out the works. Local resident Keith Watkin has said there have been greater traffic issues than usual in the area recently as the roadworks have taken place.
He said on Thursday there were "tailbacks" in the morning along a stretch of Cromwell Road down to the junction with Wingate Road. It had "been like this since about 6.30am" he added, speaking about the issue at around 10am that day.
READ MORE:North Lincolnshire Jobs Expo returning this month with hundreds of opportunities
READ MORE:Prolific burglar went on one-man crime spree in Cleethorpes
A Cadent Gas spokesperson has said the works are necessary and hopes to be able to reduce any disruption. "These are essential works to replace the gas pipes and keep the gas flowing to Grimsby and beyond for generations to come", they said.
"The pipes that we are replacing are decades old and are so this work is vital in allowing us to keep you warm in your homes. In order to allow our engineers to carry out the works as safely, and as quickly as possible, we have had to put in temporary traffic lights which will be in place for around 4 weeks.
"After this, we will still be working in the area but we hope to be able to minimise disruption. Naturally, we understand the inconvenience that this causes, but we thank you for your patience and understanding."
The council's roadworks map online indicates works in roads adjacent to Cromwell Road, including Service Road 22, are mostly scheduled to finish on September 16 and 17. The Cromwell Road traffic lights-linked works are scheduled until October 28.
"Sadly, the work has to be done, but it can a bit more complicated than anticipated," said Mr Watkin of the roadworks. "The buses will be really delayed," he believed, with the number 5 bus Immingham to Cleethorpes bus and Wybers Woods number 6 service passing the roadworks area.
A Stagecoach East Midlands spokesperson said: "We are aware of the roadworks at this location which have caused slight delays to the service and our team are being proactive to try and maintain punctuality on this service."
Mr Watkin added there are ongoing housing works too affecting some residents of the Willows in nearby roads to the gasworks. This is part of LHP's insulation improvement scheme in the area. Backed by the government Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and match-funded by LHP, this work will upgrade insulation for more than 300 homes. It follows similar work at the Reed Mere Immingham housing estate that was completed earlier this year, also carried out by Thrift Energy on LHP's behalf.