A leak identified on a gas main under a major Salford road is set to close to close it for 'several weeks'. Engineers are set to begin works on the A57 Eccles New Road tomorrow (June 16).
The 'emergency works' will require specialist teams from Cadent Gas to dig a deep trench which will close the whole westbound side of the road. Traffic will not be able to travel westbound at all, towards Trafford Park and Salford Royal, while traffic heading east towards Weaste and Salford Quays will be unaffected.
The road will be closed between Stott Lane and Ladywell Roundabout westbound, with a diversion signposted, a Cadent spokesman said. The effected pipeline is part of a network that distributes gas to thousands of homes in the local area, for heating, hot water and cooking.
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Cadent says there should not be an interruption to gas supplies in the area, as the leak will be worked on 'live', keeping the gas on while they work. “The leak is under control, but is in a very difficult place for us to access,” said Mark Berry, Head of Customer Operations, Cadent.
“Our priority is keeping everyone safe, but we are also working very hard to keep traffic flowing as well as keep gas flowing into people’s homes. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this work, and know too that it will cause traffic issues in the local area.
"“Once we’ve got down to the pipe and assessed the nature of the leak, we’ll have a much better idea how long this will take. At this stage, we expect our work will continue into July.
“We’re working closely with Salford City Council to complete the work as quickly as we can, but safely.”
If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999*. Do not delay, or assume it’s related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
