Town centre traffic delays on the cards as natural gas pipe laying goes on
WEXFORD is in for major traffic disruption over the coming weeks with main-laying activities focussing on the provision of natural gas for the new Divisional Garda Headquarters on Mulgannon Road as well as water mains work.
This will involve works on Trinity Street, William Street, Parnell Street and Michael Street and with gas and water main rehabilitation works in the Rocklands area.
While these activities in particular are challenging, Ervia says it is committed to delivering these vital multi-utility infrastructure upgrade works and at the same time, ensuring that disruption to businesses and residents is kept to a minimum.
Andrew Doyle, Project Manager, Gas Networks Ireland, acknowledged that the scale of the works has resulted in disruption and ‘we would like once again to thank local residents and the business community for their patience and co-operation as we work to deliver this project which will have significant long term economic and social benefits for Wexford.’
Last week, pipe-laying work caused long delays for motorists at the top of Hill Street at Wygram.
The Wexford Town Gas and Water Project’, involves the construction of a new gas distribution network for Wexford Town as well as the replacement of old water mains in the town, and is being delivered jointly by Gas Networks Ireland and Irish Water on behalf of Ervia.
The project is being delivered in two phases with construction of Phase 1 currently underway and progressing well. Phase 1 involves the construction of approximately 10km of new gas mains and the replacement of 1km of old water mains.
‘We have recently commissioned the first section of these gas mains, meaning customers along a 3.5 km route covering part of the Newline Road, Whitemill Industrial Estate, Clonard Road and Beechlawn areas can now connect to natural gas and start to benefit from considerable savings in energy costs,’ said a spokesperson.
‘ Take-up and interest levels have been positive to date with several customers already enjoying the great benefits of a natural gas connection and we continue to receive further requests for natural gas connections as construction of the natural gas network in the town progresses.’
Site investigation works to assist with the design of Phase 2 of the project are expected to continue in parallel with the current Phase 1 pipe laying works until mid-May.
The remaining sections of pipe laying activities under Phase 1 of the project, are expected to be complete by the end of July 2017 and Ervia remains flexible in relation to adjusting this scope of work to meet customer demand and stakeholder requirements.
Phase 2 of the project is expected to begin in early 2018 and will include the construction of a further 11km of gas mains in the town, as well as the replacement of approximately 11.5 km of old water mains and 1,050 shared and backyard water service connections.
Gas Networks Ireland and Irish Water said they were continuing to work closely with Wexford County Council, as well as local residents and businesses. The project information line is 1850 78 78 28 or queries can be sent to info@ gasnetworks.ie Street closures will continue to be advertised by Wexford County Council with alternative routes agreed and signposted. Details of street closures are also available on www.gasnetworks.ie/roadworks