Cadent: A6 Blackrod Bypass gas works to last 'beyond summer holidays'

Work to install a new section of gas pipeline under the A6 Blackrod bypass will get underway on Sunday but motorists are being told the road will remain open throughout.

The scheme is to meet demand from a new power generation site – which will use gas to create electricity for the local area – as well as a new property development.

It has been described as a 'major engineering' project and is now expected to last beyond the school summer holidays.

All roads are expected to remain open, although there may be a requirement for a brief road closure towards the end of the project.

READ MORE: Blackrod Bypass heading for 15 weeks of Cadent gas mains works

There should be no impact to anyone’s gas supply.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, has assigned two teams to install around 2,000 metres of new pipe under the A6, between Chorley Road and Station Road.

This is the equivalent length of around 20 football pitches.

Three new tough plastic pipes need to be added to the local network, one of which – at 630mm in diameter – is about the same diameter as a large car tyre.

Blackrod Bypass jct with Chorley Road (Image: Google Maps)

Cadent will also be replacing the ‘governor’ station at the junction of the A6 Blackrod Bypass and Chorley Road with an upgraded station. These governors manage the pressure of gas to help it move safely on its onward underground journey.

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Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s investment planning office North West, said: “While our bread and butter is distributing gas into people’s homes, where it’s used for heating, hot water, and cooking, we also supply power generation sites.

“There are times in the UK when as much as 50 per cent of electricity comes from such gas-powered plants. Our job is to ensure that gas can be carried in the volumes needed, and safely. That’s why we need to reinforce our network here in Bolton.

“This is major engineering and has been months in the planning to ensure it will be done safely and by keeping this road open.

“The work area will be kept to one side of the two-lane carriageway, with lights managing the safe flow of traffic around it.

“We know this will inevitably cause congestion, but hope people understand why it’s essential to get it completed. We will keep everyone updated as we progress.

READ MORE: Chorley New Road crossing to be completed by March

“Installing the new pipe also helps future-proof this part of the network, helping to ensure it’s ready to distribute hydrogen when that starts to arrive in the North West soon.

“Hydrogen is key to securing a net zero energy future.”

Advance warning signs are in situ, while customer teams have sent out information to properties in the immediate area around the works, as well as visited most to explain what is happening.

All businesses in the area will remain open.