Essential work to upgrade some of the oldest sections of gas pipes in London starts on Monday 6 January in Sloane Square, London.

Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, is calling time on an ageing section of pipe, built in the 1870’s that carries gas to heat thousands of homes and businesses in the area.

As well as ensuring a reliable and safe supply of gas now, it will help get the local gas network ready for more cleaner green gases into the future.

Carl Williams, Head of Investment Delivery explained, “We have had to repair sections of this pipe a number of times and now it is time to replace a 110 metre section of the aging pipe. We have been working very closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to collaborate with them regarding their regeneration works, as well as other utility companies, to reduce the time we are working in the area.

“We have worked very hard to ensure businesses will remain open as usual, gas supplies are not interrupted, and the traffic continues to move, whilst keeping everyone safe during the replacement of this pipe.

“Due to the size of the pipes (20” and 24” diameter pipes) and their location in the road, lane and road closures will be in place to ensure we can keep everyone safe.”

Traffic management

The work will be carried out in three phases:

Phase 1 6 January – 2 February

Northbound directional closure of Lower Sloane Street and suspension of the taxi ranks on the south side of Sloane Square.

Buses to be diverted – 211, 137, 360, 452, N137.

Phase 2 3 February – 29 February

Lane Closure on the north side of the square and suspension of the taxi ranks on the north side of Sloane Square.

Phase 3 3 March – 31 March

Road closure from the junction of Sloane Square to the junction with Cliveden Place and Bourne Road, as well as the closure of Sedding Street at the junction with Sloane Square.

Buses to be diverted – 137, N137, 452, 19, N19, C1

Gas supplies will not be affected by these works.

Working hours:

To keep disruption to a minimum and get the traffic flowing back to normal as quickly as possible we’ll be working seven days a week.

Our working hours will be Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm (No noisy works will be carried out on this day.).