1.2km of gas pipes to be replaced in Boston after putting in shift of more than a century

Motorists are being told to expect disruption during the scheme in Fishtoft Road, which began last Monday (February 9) and will run until Sunday, April 12.

The work will involve 1,242 metres of gas main pipelines – originally installed in 1920 – being replaced.

It is being carried out by gas distribution company Cadent, following consultation with Lincolnshire County Council.

The old pipes are made of cast iron, which, over time, become more susceptible to leaks due to corrosion, a spokesman for Cadent explained. The new pipes are made of a durable plastic, they said.

In addition to Fishtoft Road, the work will also affect Powell Street, Maple Road, Towell Close and River Way, Cadent said.

Due to the location of the gas main, a mixture of multi-way traffic lights and a road closure in Fishtoft Road will be used to ensure that engineers can work safely, it added. A diversion will be signposted, it said.

Richard Sansom, Network Director for Cadent in the East Midlands, said: “The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network, have been very well used for over 100 years. It’s now time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to people’s homes 24/7, 365 days a year.

“In this part of Boston, more than 80 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.

“These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.”

Turning to the disruption, he said: “We have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities, to try our best to ensure that we minimise disruption whilst we carry out these essential works.

“I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.”

Cadent said the only interruption to gas supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced. Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.

Anyone who smells gas, is advised to call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999, day or night.

“Do not assume it is related to these works; it may not be and needs to be checked,” the Cadent spokesman said.