Billingshurst gas piping in £300k revamp

As part of a wider £300,000 investment to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the Billingshurst area, the existing metal gas mains and services at the crossroads between Frenches Mead, Mill Way and Coombe Hill need to be replaced with modern polyethylene pipe.

The work, which forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed by SGN with the Health and Safety Executive, will begin on 2 March and is expected to take an estimated four weeks to complete.

There will be three-way temporary traffic lights in operation throughout the work and for safety reasons there will be restricted traffic movements. Most notably, motorists will not be able to turn right when entering Coombe Hill from the Mill Way cul-de-sac. Similarly, if travelling from Frenches Mead, vehicles will not be able to turn right towards the library and conversely will not be able to turn left from the library into Frenches Mead. A signed diversion route will be in place.

SGN Project Manager Ron Brown said: “I would like to apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused by this project. All our work is being carried out in close consultation with West Sussex County Council, and we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption.

“We understand that roadworks can be very frustrating, but the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that once the work has been completed, people in Billingshurst will be able to enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and secure gas supply for many years to come.”

Specific details and a map of the work can be found on SGN’s website, as well as a short video explaining more about what to expect from the mains replacement work. For specific queries about this project, please contact SGN on 01444 240 700 during office hours (8am-4pm) or on 0800 912 1700 outside these times.