We have agreed with contractor Wales & West Utilities to postpone the second phase of their gas pipe replacement works on Dartmouth Road.

Following completion of the first phase of the works, engineering teams will be leaving the site today and we aim to have resurfacing works (to allow the road to fully reopen) complete by Wednesday 23 September – meaning the remaining second phase of the gas works will be paused until October half term.

Earlier this week we reviewed the traffic management on site and together with Wales & West Utilities agreed to make changes which resulted in improvements for road users.

Following further inspections and monitoring carried out by the Council, we have jointly decided with Wales & West Utilities to postpone the next stage of the works for pedestrian safety reasons. This is due to the lack of safe pedestrian provisions between Greenway Road and Manor Vale Road.

T​hrough efforts on site this week, the pipeline contractor has successfully been able to progress works significantly ahead of schedule, in part through the extended shift times agreed with the Council. The site will reduce further today following completion of works on the Common and this will also improve traffic flow.

However, following excavations on site and the identification of the exact location (and depth) of the existing gas main infrastructure, it would not have been possible to have continued to maintain a safe pedestrian access for pedestrians between Greenway Road and Manor Vale Road.

There will be periods of between now and the removal of traffic management where there is a lack of activity onsite. This is whilst materials are delivered to site for the reinstatement of the road surface. Following the completion of the reinstatement works, a period of time will be required before the new surface can be opened back for traffic (curing period).

Next steps and timescales

Wales & West Utilities will return to its planned works in Dartmouth Road during half term and the following traffic management plan will be in place from 23 October to 1 November:

• Rolling two-way traffic lights will be in place on Dartmouth Road between Manor Vale Road and Greenway Road
• Road closures on Greenway Road and Warborough Road
• Footpath closure on Dartmouth Road, pedestrian diversion route via Manor Vale Road and Greenway Road
• During this phase of work, traffic lights will be manned 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

The scheduled works will start at 4pm on Friday 23 October once the local schools have closed. The rolling traffic management will be back in place and our highways teams will work with the traffic contractor again to monitor the impact of the works.

Providing there are no engineering difficulties, the work is due to complete on 1 November, ahead of the original schedule.  

During the works, Greenway Road and Warborough Road will be closed for safety reasons. 

We have been working with Stagecoach South West to support ways to manage disruption to their services during the current works. Stagecoach have told us they will continue to manage the situation as best as possible for next week until the works are lifted, and will put in place alternative plans for October half term. 

These changes appear to have improved traffic flows through the area. We will continue to work with the contractor and monitor the situation over the next few days. 

Background to why the works are needed

Wales & West Utilities is carrying out essential utility works to replace ageing metal gas supply pipes with modern plastic ones as part of a major safety upgrade programme.   

It could not be carried out over the summer, and due to the nature of the work it cannot be done overnight because of the disturbance that would cause to nearby homes.   

The traffic management is needed to keep workers and road users safe at the site. 

How you can help

To help the traffic flows, please let buses pull out and comply with the lights to take your turn and prevent unnecessary traffic build-ups.  

Allow more time for your journey, where possible travel at less busy times and consider car-sharing.  

Further information

Enquiries about these works should go to Wales & West Utilities on 0800 912 2999 or by email to enquiries@wwutilities.co.uk. In a gas emergency call 0800 111 999.