We got it wrong, say gas officials

Gas bosses have apologised for misleading drivers after a blooper over signs in Coal Pit Lane.

The signs went up at the weekend warning that the popular short cut would be closed for a year from yesterday for work on gas mains. National Grid said it was for essential work to a large diameter pipe, which had to be completely dug up and replaced. But National Grid later admitted the signs were a mistake.

The work will last a year, but it will start in Limeside Road, then move to Coal Pit Lane.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane for most of the contract, but there will be a three-week spell when Coal Pit Lane will be completely shut to traffic, although the dates are not yet known

National Grid spokeswoman Jeanette Unsworth said: “The advance warning signs are wrong. It will not be closed for 12 months.

“We have to replace one kilometre with new pipe, and because of the diameter we can’t stick the new pipe inside the old one.

“We will have to dig a trench and the work will start in Limeside Road on April 4, then move to Coal Pit Lane.

“It will take us 12 months to do all the work, and it will start in Coal Pit Lane sometime in the summer.

“The speed limit will be reduced from 60mph to 30mph for our employees’ safety, but we will keep the road open while we work.

“There will be temporary traffic lights, but it is not a correct sign as there will be one lane open.

“There will be a short closure for about three weeks towards the end of the project for the newly laid main to be connected to the existing network.

“We apologise — it was a bit of a blooper. We have obviously made a mistake and we are sorting that out with signs as soon as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience we will cause, but this is essential. There will be short-term disruption but the work will ensure gas supplies for the next 80 years.”