Northwich: Emergency works to repair gas pipe under A556

Emergency works are taking place to repair a gas distribution pipe under one of the busiest roads in Cheshire.

Gas network Cadent responded to reports of a smell of gas and has identified an issue with a pipe under the A556, near Rudheath.

To create a safe space to work on this, the Cadent team has reduced the two-lanes of westbound traffic to one.

Where this extends for a short distance to three lanes, at the roundabout junction near the A530 (King Street), only one lane will remain open for the time being.

The lanes heading eastbound – towards Lostock Gralam and beyond to the M6 – are unaffected.

Gas stays ON. There should be no interruption to supply.

Rachel Endfield, Customer Operations Area Manager for Cadent said:

“When we have a situation like this, our first priority is always to keep everyone safe. We have taken action to make sure that’s the case,

“We now need to carry out a permanent repair, which is challenging.

“At this stage, we expect the work to continue into next week. We know this is a busy road and will work as quickly as we can to complete this.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding.

“I’d also like to praise the person who rang the gas emergency service to report this smell of gas. That’s exactly the right thing to do."

If you ever smell gas, day or night, report it immediately to 0800 111 999.

Google Maps link showing where the work is taking place: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vgS9nXSTddUaCzmYA