Seven weeks of road closures expected amid major gas upgrade in north Shropshire

Seven weeks of road closures have begun in north Shropshire today as part of a major upgrade to one town’s gas network.

Wales & West Utilities has today (Monday, July 20) begun work to upgrade the gas network in Wem.

The company said the project is vital to ensuring that “gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses across the area” and, if all goes to plan, work is set to finish by September 4.

The scheme involved two road closures across the next seven weeks. New Street will be closed between July 20 and August 7, while Soulton Road will be closed between August 10 and September 4.

Wales & West Utilities' Adam Smith said the work had been planned for during the summer holidays to minimise local disruption.

He added: “We’re investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve. We'll be keeping the local community updated on these works and working with the local authority and other key partners to keep disruption to a minimum.

“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.

“Once we’ve completed this intensive phase of work, we’ll leave behind an upgraded network that meets today’s energy needs, and is ready to transport greener gases in the future. By completing this work now, barring any emergency repairs, we can avoid returning to the area and causing further disruption to the local community for decades.”

More information can be found online at wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects