Our engineers are continuing to replace a section of our gas network in Ruins Barn Road, following a reported gas escape.
Further investigations have shown that a 750m stretch of the gas pipe is in poor condition and requires urgent replacement.
Our contractor, Forefront Utilities Ltd, will be carrying out this work on our behalf. They will be providing an engineering team from Wednesday 28 May, and will be replacing all the old metal pipe work along Ruins Barn Road to the junction of Broadoak Road.
We’ll then move into Broadoak Road and continue installing and commissioning the new pipework to just past the entrance for access to the Kent Science Park. Once this has been done, we’ll be able to safely decommission the old metal gas main.
For everyone’s safety, Ruins Barn Road will continue to be closed. When the works have progressed to Broadoak Road, Broadoak Road will then be closed, with diversions in place. Our contractor will be working extended hours from Monday to Saturday to complete this work as quickly and safely as possible. We now expect to be able to reopen the road on or around Friday 27 June. If at any point before then it is safe to reopen the roads to allow traffic through, we will try to do so.
We know this closure and the diversion route has a high impact on residents and businesses and we apologise for the continued inconvenience. Once this work is completed our network at this location will be fully upgraded with new pipe which will prevent the need for further disruptive repair work.
Thank you to the local community and businesses for your continued patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.