Halifax Road to close for three months for gas works

Jan 9 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Fears over major works on road

“From 7am to 9am and again at night this stretch of road is standing traffic. All that traffic is going to go somewhere else and will cause problems there. Twelve weeks is a long time, but what can you do about it?”

The United Utilities spokesman said disruption would be kept to a minimum, but the work was vital.

He added: “We are aware that it is quite a long job and we are working with Kirklees to ensure we keep disruption to an absolute minimum.

“We will be having meetings with local people and sending customer liaison officers to speak to residents and local business people.

“It is essential work. It is just unfortunate that sometimes these pipes are in places where people go every day. We are doing it to make sure the system is robust and safe for people.”

The old cast iron main will be replaced with new plastic pipes, which are less prone to leaks and should last for up to 80 years.

Usually, engineers try and feed the new small plastic pipe through the old gas main, meaning less digging and extra protection for the new pipe.