Pioneering gas and water scheme saves four weeks of disruption

• Gas and water mains upgraded together in one set of roadworks, in a first for the North West.
• Four weeks of disruption saved for residents.
• Joint Cadent and United Utilities scheme could become a model for future collaborative upgrades.

A pioneering project starting this month in Wigan Borough will see – for the first time in the North West – two essential utility upgrades combined into one coordinated programme of roadworks.

By bringing two projects into a single scheme, Cadent and United Utilities will save four weeks of disruption for residents in Ince-in-Makerfield, as well as reduce carbon emissions.

The project will involve existing gas and water mains being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, which will future-proof both the gas and water networks in the local area.

Work will take place in De Trafford Drive and Hemfield Road, starting on 16 February and completing by the end of March.

Instead of two separate rounds of digging, barriers and other site activity – which can often take place weeks or months apart – the upgrades will all happen in a single, efficient scheme.

The work is being managed by Network Plus on behalf of both utilities, with on‑site activity carried out by PGL Pipelines.

Collaborative projects may seem an obvious solution to reducing disruption, but the important safety protocols for each utility, and timetabling of resources, can often create challenges.

Although similar schemes to upgrade gas and water infrastructure have been completed at the same time in London, this is thought to be the first time a project has been delivered in the UK by the same contractor. PGL’s engineers are dual-skilled and can work on each utility.

To minimise disruption, there will be no road closures or traffic lights being used on this project in Ince, although parking will be restricted for periods in certain areas. Barriers will be placed around the excavations that will be dug in the road and footpaths, while access will be maintained to residents’ homes.

Councillor Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: "I’m pleased that Wigan Borough is ahead of the game with this scheme, as it is a pioneering project to upgrade two essential utilities at the same time.

"Working with partners such as Cadent, United Utilities, and PGL, this approach not only improves essential infrastructure, it will drastically reduce disruption in the long term and potentially become a model for future collaborative upgrades across our borough."

Both Cadent and United Utilities are delivering major long‑term investment across the region and are already looking at further projects in the North West to work together on.

Cadent will upgrade more than 2,000km of pipes in its North West Network over the next five-year period and United Utilities will replace 925km of its pipes by 2030. Taken together, this represents around £1billion investment in the region by the companies.

The gas work ensures safe, reliable distribution into homes and other buildings, as well as preparing the local network for increased use of greener gases, such as biomethane.

Similarly, upgrading water mains plays a key role in reducing leaks and improving the resilience of the water network in the area.

Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management, Cadent (North West), said: “Combining two major upgrades into one set of roadworks is a big step forward for how we plan our essential gas mains upgrades.

“It won’t be possible on every job, because some utilities simply can’t be worked on safely together, and some streets don’t have the space.

"But where it is possible, and where we can safely coordinate, we absolutely want to do more of this. It means less digging, fewer teams on site, shorter disruption for residents and a lower overall carbon impact.

"This project is the first of its kind in the North West, and we’re already looking at where the approach could work next.”

Jo Power, Programme Manager, United Utilities, added: “Our work to upgrade water mains across the region will safeguard water supplies for millions of customers. We know this work inevitably causes some disruption and we work hard to keep that to a minimum. Being able to deliver this scheme in Wigan together with Cadent is an exciting development and we hope to be able to do more of this in the future.”

Residents have already been sent information explaining how the work will be carried out.

Gas supplies will need to be turned off and on, on one or two days, between 8am and up to 8pm, with at least 48 hours’ notice via a card through the door.

Water supplies may also be turned off for a short period, with a red/green card delivered at least 48 hours beforehand, to confirm timings.