Essential gas mains improvement work on Mutley Plain

Essential gas mains work is to be carried out in Mutley Plain, Plymouth, by gas distribution company Wales and West Utilities (WWU).

The work will begin on Monday 21 October on the footpath of Mutley Plain at the junction with Alexandra Road and continue along the street in three consecutive sections to the junction with Moor View Terrace. The project will take up to three weeks to complete.

The project - to install 126 metres of new plastic gas pipe with a lifespan of more than 80 years – is a major investment by Wales and West Utilities and the company says it is essential for the safety and security of gas supplies to local people and businesses in the area.

For the safety of road users, pedestrians and the workforce involved in the project, a traffic management plan has been agreed with the local Highways Authority.

Moor View Terrace will be closed to general traffic from Monday 28 October for one week.

It will also be necessary to close one lane of Mutley Plain to vehicles for the duration of the works in order to provide a safe route for pedestrians. This will create a two lane contraband system for traffic.

Wales and West Utilities project officer, Derek Vaughan, said: “We have been working closely with the local Highways Authority and I have contacted local residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity to notify them of the impending work. Businesses in Mutley Plain will be open as usual and deliveries will be accommodated. We will also endeavour to maintain access to the taxi ranks.”

The work is part of Wales and West Utilities’ multi million pound, 30-year replacement programme across Wales and the South West, where old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with highly durable, non-corroding plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.