End in sight for Cadent gas pipeline work in Windermere

Cadent, the firm overlooking the local gas network, will remove the metallic pipe which is under the A592 Rayrigg Road and has contributed to keeping local homes warm since 1953.

The installation of a ‘bypass’ before beginning work in October meant Cadent managed an uninterrupted gas supply to heat homes, a local church and other buildings during the icy winter months.

The work in January will lead to the closure of the northbound lane of the A592 Rayrigg Road (Image: Cadent)

Teams are now poised to begin the project's last phase on January 2, intending to conclude by the end of the month.

The project's final phase requires the closure of the northbound lane of the A592 Rayrigg Road from the Windermere Lake Viewpoint Car Park to the roundabout at the junction with Ambleside Road.

Traffic will be diverted through Windermere while the southbound lane towards Bowness will continue to stay open.

The upgrade of these old metallic gas mains forms part of an £800m investment by Cadent in its North West network over five years.

Records confirm that certain sections of this pipeline were installed in 1953 and it now shows signs of advanced age – with escalating frequency of repairs and maintenance and the associated traffic disruption in recent years.

Mark Syers, head of investment planning office (North West) Cadent, said: "Our job is to keep gas flowing to heat homes, schools, offices and many other buildings in the local area, as well as future-proof the network ready for greener gases.

"This part of the network has operated for 70 years.

"We’ve become too frequent a visitor in recent years, with our teams carrying out essential repairs.

"This upgrade will bring an end to that, ensuring everyone gets a safe, reliable supply well into the future.

"We appreciate this means another period of disruption, and our teams will work as quickly as they safely can to complete the work."

Cadent has apologised for the congestion caused while installing the necessary ‘bypass’ to the network during October's half-term.

Work had to be conducted deeper into the carriageway than was initially foreseen.

Queries about this work can be forwarded to Cadent through phone, email, or by filling out their online contact form.

Urgent alerts, such as a gas smell during or separate from this work, must be reported to the national gas emergency service immediately.

Over the next five years, Cadent aims to invest over £3.4bn, including more than £800m in the North West area, to maintain this network of pipes and prepare it for the arrival of greener, lower-carbon gases.