Gas leak in Longridge Road compounds roadworks misery

The Cadent roadworks have begun just yards from the same stretch of Longridge Road where the existing roadworks are taking place Pic: Blog Preston

Emergency gas works have brought a second set of temporary traffic lights to an already heavily congested route.

Work to lay an underground cable in Longridge Road between Bluebell Way and the Roman Way industrial estate has been causing severe delays throughout January and now Cadent have begun gas works.

A gas leak – with a strong smell of gas smelt across the industrial estates and into the edge of Grimsargh – means Cadent are on site. A Cadent van is remaining on site 24-7 due to the severity of the gas leak.

The two sets of temporary traffic lights are within just a few yards of each other.

Lancashire County Council gave an update during Thursday evening to frustrated motorists and bus passengers.

A spokesperson said: “We’re working closely with the utility companies currently carrying out work on Longridge Road between Preston and Longridge to minimise delays to your journeys as far as possible.

“On Tuesday Cadent Gas began carrying out urgent repairs to a severe gas leak which needs immediate attention, and requires them access to infrastructure beneath the road as well as on the verge.

“We have required that the temporary traffic lights are operated manually from 7am to 7pm to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“The timing is unfortunate as there are already roadworks nearby for the installation of a new electricity connection to the industrial estate, which have been carefully planned in advance, and are due to be finished by mid-February.

“However, the repairs to the gas main are urgently needed for safety and to secure supply, and can’t be delayed until the electricity work is completed.

“Cadent Gas is due to advise us when their emergency work will be finished, and we’ll issue a further update here when we know more.

“Sorry for the disruption to your journeys and thanks for your patience.”

Blog Preston approached Cadent for a comment and explanation over the emergency works.

Customer operations area manager, Colin Baker, said: “We are currently in Longridge Road, Ribbleton, Preston, dealing with a gas escape on one of our distribution pipelines.

“The actions we’ve taken so far is ensuring everyone is safe and that gas continues to flow to heat local homes and businesses.

“It is important to stress our readings are not at a level for residents to worry about.

“The process for repairing a pipeline like this is very complex and does take time, including bespoke parts and equipment to be sourced.

“With the pipeline being under the road, we have had to introduce traffic lights to manage the flow of traffic around us.

“We appreciate that is causing traffic issues, not helped by there being unrelated roadworks a little further up the road.

“We will fix this pipe as quickly as we safely can, and hope people understand that keeping everyone safe is our priority.

“Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of ringing the Gas Emergency Service immediately, day or night, if you smell gas or notice damage to gas pipes. The number is 0800 111 999* – it is good advice to save the number into your phone, so it’s there if you ever need it.”

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