Major engineering work to install a new gas pipeline under the A6 Blackrod Bypass is progressing well and on track.
Cadent, which manages the local gas network, is installing 3,000m of new pipe in one of its biggest projects in the North West this year.
Large new pipelines are being installed under the road surface to ensure there is gas to meet demand from a new power generation site, which will use gas to create electricity for the area and to also supply gas to a new property development nearby.
It is also future proofing the gas network ready for the arrival of hydrogen soon, a critical stage in the path to net zero.
The update comes soon after Cadent revealed it is investing £80m this year to upgrade 418km of its older gas pipes in the North West, including more than 11.2km in the council's area.
The work on the A6 Blackrod Bypass began at the end of February and is due to continue beyond the school summer holidays.
The new pipeline is going under the A6, between Chorley Road and Station Road.
Planning teams have worked hard to ensure all roads stay open, with traffic lights managing the flow of vehicles around the work areas.
Mark Syers, Cadent’s head of investment planning office (North West), said: “This is one of our biggest projects this year and it is progressing really well.
“The team has installed more than half of the pipeline now.
“There are actually three pipes going in, and we are also installing a new governor station, to manage the pressure of gas as it flows through the pipe.
“This is major engineering and needed both to keep gas flowing to the local area and keep the lights on.
“There are times in the UK when as much as 50 per cent of electricity comes from such gas-powered generation plants.
“Installing the new pipe also helps future-proof this part of the network, 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.
“Our job is to ensure that gas can be carried in the volumes needed, and safely.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the roads open and are talking often to homes and businesses along the route, to keep them updated.”
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.
Around £800m will be invested in the North West’s gas network over the next five years.
This will maintain safe, secure supplies to homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other sites, as well as support the UK journey to net zero carbon emissions.
Backed by Cadent and many partners, the North West region is set to lead the way in a major shift from fossil gases to hydrogen.
Producing only heat and water at point of use, hydrogen is key to the UK’s net zero future and is set to be introduced at volume in the North West during the 2020s.
If residents would like to contact Cadent about the work, they can call 0800 090 3071 or email CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com.
If residents smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, they are advised to ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999.
Cadent says "do not delay, or assume it’s related to this work".
"It may not be and must be checked," the gas network firm said.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here