Major Gas Works in Broughton

A major project to replace around 900 metres of a gas pipeline under the A5104 Mold Road / Main Road / Queens Way in Broughton begins on 7th May.

Cadent, which manages the local gas network, is calling time on a section of metallic pipe that has been helping keep local homes warm for over 100 years.

The engineering will involve the decommissioning of the current pipes and the installation of new tough plastic ones, which will last for generations.

As well as ensuring a safe and reliable gas supply to the local area now – for heating, hot water, and cooking – it is also being done to future-proof the network, as greener gases like biomethane and hydrogen start to be introduced.

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 100 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.”

The engineers will complete the work in eight phases, with each phase representing about 100 metres of pipe upgraded.

The pipes run directly under the road, which means there will be some impact on traffic.

To maintain a safe work area for the engineers, motorists and pedestrians, and in agreement with Flintshire Council, traffic lights will control the flow of vehicles.

Entrances to some side streets will also be closed when the teams take the pipe across them. Short diversions will be signposted when this happens.

Customer teams have begun visiting local businesses and homes, to inform and provide any assistance required.

With major employers like Airbus nearby, the team is working to raise awareness among employees who commute in.

Old metallic gas mains like these are being upgraded as part of an £800m investment by Cadent in the local area’s network over a five-year period.

Records indicate that some sections of this pipeline were installed in just before the First World War and are showing signs of age – with repairs and maintenance, and associated traffic disruption, increasing in frequency in recent years.

Gas stays ON throughout, with just a short interruption for 80 properties on the day their home is connected into the new pipes. Our on-site teams will explain how all this works and will talk the residents through every step.

If you smell gas

If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999*. Do not delay, or assume it is related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.

Cadent in the North West

Cadent’s North West network includes Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, as well as parts of Cumbria, Derbyshire and Flintshire.

Beneath this region – under roads, footpaths, and fields – are more than 34,000km of gas distribution pipes. These carry gas to 2.7 million homes, hospitals, schools, offices, and other sites – for heat, hot water, cooking, and industrial uses. If placed end to end, they’d reach Sydney, Australia, and come back again.

Cadent manages this extensive network, as well as gas networks for Eastern England, West Midlands, and North London. It is responsible for ensuring the network is operating safely and reliably, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Cadent will invest more than £3.4bn over the next five years (including more than £800m in the North West area) to maintain this network and get it ready for the arrival soon of greener, lower-carbon gases.

Google Maps locations:

Work is due to begin here (approximate): 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/j1CFewusJ6i4qGd27

Work is due to end here (approximate): 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRXtsbRLnB1P3TdS9