Pledge to smoothly deliver vital gas project in Luton

distributed by noodls on 02/18/2013 10:05

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National Grid has pledged to deliver a scheme to upgrade part of the gas mains system in Luton town centre smoothly and efficiently.

From Monday 18 February engineers begin a three-week improvement scheme to upgrade 45 metres of gas mains along a section of Bute Street. The project will allow residents and businesses in Luton to continue to have safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come.

National Grid project engineer Dilbir Chana said: "We know that this is a busy part of Luton's road network and we've planned to start work during half-term to minimise disruption by avoiding the busy work day traffic."

He added: "These are vital works and there may be a short term inconvenience for the long term benefit of the area."

Engineers will replace the existing iron mains with new, long-lasting plastic pipes that have a lifespan of at least 80 years, if left undisturbed in the ground, and require little maintenance. Wherever possible the new mains will be inserted into the old pipes to reduce the need for digging.

To allow the works to take place safely and efficiently one lane of Bute Street from the train station to the junction of Guildford Street will be restricted to traffic. A one-way diversion system will be operating which will take traffic left along Guildford Street to Bute Street or to Cheapside. Drivers will be able to access the train station car park during the works.

Ends

Contact for media information only:
Steve Sharma
National Grid Media Relations

T: +44 (0) 1455 892333 
E: steve.sharma@nationalgrid.com

Out of hours duty press officer:
+44 (0) 1926 653000

For more information, please:

Notes to Editors:

National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society - to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the 21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the centre of the energy system and we 'join everything up'.

In Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country. In the North Eastern US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.

National Grid in the UK:

We own the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operating it across Great Britain
We own and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain
Our gas distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses
We also own a number of related businesses including LNG importation, land remediation and metering
National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service free phone line on behalf of the industry - 0800 111 999 (all calls are recorded and may be monitored)