A popular Ipswich shopping street is set to enjoy a fresh new look and decades of safe, secure gas supplies quickly, thanks to a joint approach by Ipswich Borough Council and National Grid.
The two organisations are teaming up in May to combine an essential gas mains replacement project in Upper Brook Street with a major facelift for the road surfaces, paving and lighting. As National Grid engineers replace cast iron gas mains with durable, long-lasting plastic pipe, Council workers will be following close behind, installing smart block paving, smooth new road surfacing and enhanced lighting.
By working in tandem, the Borough Council and National Grid will be rolling what would have been seven months of work into just 16 weeks. The works will be conducted under a joint road closure, avoiding the need to shut the street for a second time in the future. Throughout, pedestrian access to Upper Brook Street will be maintained.
The Council is speaking to businesses in Upper Brook Street which will be affected by the works. This consultation event will be taking place in the Robert Cross Hall at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 19th March between 4pm and 9pm. Detailed drawings will be displayed. A Council spokesman said: "We realise this will cause inconvenience to bus passengers and retailers but we are determined to keep this to a minimum and to provide a more attractive environment for shoppers and businesses. We want to give as much advance notice as we can so people are kept informed."
Karl Shipp, of National Grid, said: "We always aim to minimise any disruption caused by our works to the local community so we were delighted to have this opportunity to conduct our works in tandem with Ipswich Borough Council. We believe this approach will bring real benefits. Our work will enable local people to continue to benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for many years into the future and is part of a national mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure people that every effort will be made to complete the works as safely and promptly as possible."
More information will be issued nearer the time.