Gas works begin in Torquay with road closures until June

Gas pipe upgrade work has started in the Church Lane area of Torquay.

Wales & West Utilities says the project is needed to keep gas supplies safe and reliable for homes and businesses. The work is expected to continue until May, if there are no delays.

The company is working with Torbay Council with a number of road closures and traffic measures now in place.

Church Road is closed between Fore Street and Moor Lane until 18 May. Other temporary closures and traffic lights will affect St Augustine’s, Fore Street, Moor Lane, Swedwell Road and Jacks Lane at various points through March, April and early June.

Wales & West Utilities said the upgrade would help ensure the network remains “fit for the future” and capable of carrying greener gases.

Natalie Raphael, who is managing the project, said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area.”

The company said most of the network is underground but plays a “central role” in everyday life, from heating homes to cooking meals.

Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide is advised to call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999.

Full list of road works include:

• A closure on Church Road between the junctions of Fore Street and Moor Lane (27 February – 18 May)
• Give and take by motorists on St Augustine’s (27 February – 27 March)
• A closure on Fore Street between the junctions of Isaacs Road to outside no. 116 Fore Street (23 March – 14 April)
• Multi-way traffic lights on the junction of Moor Lane, Church Road, Jacks Lane and Swedwell Road (30 March – 7 April)
• A closure on Moor Lane from outside no. 82 to the junction with Swedwell Road and Jacks Lane (7 – 24 April)
• A closure on Swedwell Road between the junctions of Jacks Lane and Gard Close (7 – 24 April)
• A closure on Jacks Lane between the junctions of Swedwell Road and Barton Hill Road (13 April – 5 June)