MOTORISTS are being warned there will be some disruption as work steps up on a project to replace one of St Helens’ oldest underground gas mains, which pre-dates the Second World War.

Cadent has embarked on the upgrade of a 366-metre long, 15-inch diameter pipe that runs under Borough Road, Prescot Road and into Boundary Road, St Helens.

It was originally installed in 1930 and is one of the key routes for distributing gas to thousands of homes in the area.

Gas will stay on throughout the seven-week, £180,000 project, with the new pipe pushed into the old one to significantly reduces the duration of work.

Planners are working closely with St Helens Council to keep traffic flowing but there will be disruption to motorists.

• Work will take place at various times to February 22 on a short section of Borough Road, which will be reduced to one lane.

• From January 14 to January 20, a short section of Prescot Road will be reduced to one lane (near to Boundary Road).

• From January 21 to February 22, Boundary Road will be a "no through road". During this period, access to Morrisons and Farm Foods will be via Prescot Road only. Advance warning signs will alert motorists.

• From January 21 to January 28, there will be no access from Boundary Road to Doulton Road, and vice versa. A diversion will be signposted.

Craig Horrocks, who heads Cadent’s gas main upgrade programme in the North West, said: “Upgrading our pipes is absolutely essential to make sure we can continue to distribute gas safely to the local area for heating and hot water.

“We’re also getting the network ready to safely transport green gases like hydrogen, which we know will be a key means by which we’ll all heat our homes in the future. To reach net zero, we must switch from fossil gas to hydrogen.

“Carrying out major engineering work in busy residential areas is never easy and safety has to be paramount. We’ve worked closely with St Helens Council to minimise the disruption and appreciate everyone’s patience as we get this done.”

Letters are being sent to all properties directly affected.

Access to local businesses, such as Morrisons and Farm Foods, will be maintained (for customers and deliveries).

More than 90 per cent of homes in St Helens are heated by gas and nearly 80 per cent of the borough’s local gas distribution network is now upgraded to modern plastic pipes.