Delays expected during gas mains replacement work
26/06/09
Significant delays are expected around the Hutcheon Street/Berryden Road area from Wednesday [1 July], as work to replace a leaking gas main there begins.
Scotland Gas Networks has attempted to repair the main, but gas continues to escape. It is essential that the main is replaced as soon as possible, to ensure public safety.
The travelling public is advised to avoid the area if possible.
Gordon McIntosh, Aberdeen City Council's corporate director for enterprise, planning and infrastructure said: "It is unfortunate that the public are going to be affected again by gas works on this junction, but the work has to be carried out for safety reasons.
"The council worked closely with Scotland Gas Networks to minimise disruption over the last few weeks while the firm attempted to repair the main.
"We will continue to do so to ensure that the disruption caused by this mains replacement work is kept to a minimum. The school term ends on Friday, which means that the traffic flow will be lighter than usual during the majority of the work, but delays and disruption are unfortunately inevitable."
Douglas Yeats, Team Manager Scotland Gas Networks said: "We appreciate that there have been several occasions in recent months when we have had to carry out emergency repairs to gas leaks in the Berryden area of the city, and we would like to apologise for any disruption these essential works may have caused to local residents.
"Following on from these leaks, we have agreed with Aberdeen City Council to bring forward our project to replace the gas mains at the Berryden junction, and this will start on 1 July for 4 weeks.
"Scotland Gas Networks is investing over £100,000 in the project, which involves replacing 360m of cast-iron mains. These will be replaced with polyethylene (PE) pipes which are more robust and, if left undisturbed, will last for over 80 years. We understand that this essential work may result in some short-term disruption and delays for local drivers, however, we are confident that in the long-term it will ensure a safe and reliable supply to the local area.
"We thank residents and motorists for their continued patience."
Temporary four-way traffic lights will be in operation at the Hutcheon Street/Berryden Road junction for up to four weeks from 9.15am on Wednesday [1 July].
There may be a requirement to close the Hutcheon Street arm of the junction for safety reasons during the works, but the council will only permit this as a last resort and for the shortest time possible.
Parking will be banned on Hutcheon Street between Ann Street and Berryden Road while the work is carried out.
Scotland Gas Networks' operations on Ashgrove Road will be delayed until work on the Hutcheon Street/Berryden Road junction has been completed.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
