National Grid starts major upgrade of gas mains in St Albans city

Inner city residents and businesses in St Albans have been warned to expect disruption from today (Monday) when a major upgrade of local gas mains begins.

Among those streets affected by National Grid’s work are Cross Street, Spencer Street, Upper Dagnall Street, Lower Dagnall Street, Queen Street, Spicer Street, French Row, Christopher Place, Market Place and Heritage Close.

To enable workers to complete their job safely Queen Street will be temporarily closed from today until February 16, and a diversion route will be in place.

National Grid authorising engineer Dilbir Chana said: “We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by our work. This is an essential project which will ensure that local people and businesses continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for many years to come.”

“We’ll make every effort to complete the work as soon as we can. We’d like to thank local people and businesses for their patience and co-operation.”

National Grid’s project will also start on Cross Street from today, with the entire upgrade expected to take around nine weeks to complete.

The project involves replacing 355 metres of existing metal gas mains with hardwearing modern plastic pipes that are designed to last for at least 80 years.

The gas main replacement in St Albans is part of an £800 million investment National Grid is making to renew gas mains in the east of England up until 2021.

For more information on how the work could affect you, contact customer services on 0800 096 5678.