The project, to upgrade one of Oldham’s oldest gas mains which pre-dates the First World War is being carried out by Cadent who manage the gas pipe network in the north west.
Engineers began work in Denshaw on Friday (15 January) to replace a 170-metre section of the local gas network. It's part of a rolling programme to replace metallic mains with plastic pipes helping to get the local network ready to start carrying green gases like hydrogen.
The work is taking place at Denshaw crossroads where Delph Road, Oldham Road, Ripponden Road and Rochdale Road meet.
Temporary traffic lights lights are managing the movement of vehicles around the area. These are manned between 7am and 7pm, with teams working seven days a week.
50 metres of the pipe were installed 1912, the same year Oldham Athletic finished the season 18th in League Division One, one place behind Liverpool and one above Preston North End.
"Upgrading our pipes is absolutely essential to make sure we can continue to distribute gas safely to the local area for heating and hot water,” said Craig Horrocks, who heads Cadent’s gas main upgrade programme in the North West.
"Carrying out major engineering work in busy residential areas is never easy and safety has to be paramount. We’ve worked closely with Oldham Council to minimise the disruption and appreciate everyone’s patience as we get this done."
Gas will stay on throughout the three-week project. A handful of properties, those which take a direct feed from this section of main, will be without supply for less than a day. Advance notice will be given. Most of the new pipe will be pushed into the old one, a technique which significantly reduces the total duration of work.
