Gas works spark road closures

SEVERAL roads in Limeside are facing lengthy closures to allow essential gas works to take place.

Whitebank Road will shut on Monday for 10 days at its junction with Coal Pit Lane.

A diversion will be in place via Lower Lime Road, Lime Green and Whitebank Road in both directions.

Coal Pit Lane will then close for 12 weeks from September 30 at the junction with Whitebank Road with traffic diverted along Ashton Road, Hathershaw Lane, Hollins Road, Trough Gate, Elm Road and Whitebank Road in both directions.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said: “Residents may recall that the National Grid had to suspend this work in late July.

“This was because similar work had to be undertaken on the main Manchester supply and, if work continued in Limeside at the same time, there was a severe risk of affecting regional gas supplies.

“Regrettably, the National Grid has been unable to complete this work during the school holidays and has now applied for these temporary road closures.

“I understand the inconvenience that this may cause but the safety of pedestrians in the area — many of whom are schoolchildren — is paramount and means closure is the only safe option.

“The work has been programmed to try and minimise disruption and it will be monitored by Unity Partnership staff to ensure it is carried out safely and on time.

“I should add that none of this work affects the section of Coal Pit Lane which was resurfaced earlier this year.”