Essential work replacing old cast iron pipes will cause disruption  to Hammersmith's traffic throughout the summer.

North London Gas Alliance (NLGA), a partnership between National Grid and Skanska, is at work in Shepherd's Bush Road replacing old cast iron gas pipes with plastic ones which will last 80 years.

The essential works form part of National Grid’s national mains replacement programme – agreed by law with the Health and Safety Executive – to take out and replace all metallic mains within 98ft (30 metres) of buildings.

The first set of works, taking place from from the Laurie Arms public house in Shepherd's Bush Road to Hammersmith Broadway, is expected to last until July 8,with some extra work taking place in the taxi rank outside Hammersmith Broadway station.

The next pipe to be replaced will be outside number 214 Hammersmith Road, starting on Monday July 18. There will also be work taking place on Hammersmith Broadway close to the pedestrian crossing, though this will be carried out at night to reduce disruption. All these works will be finished by Tuesday August 9 at the latest.

Councillor Nicholas Botterill, Hammersmith and Fulham's cabinet member for environment and deputy leader says: " The pipes are now old and, under law, we have to let the work happen. We are pressing National Grid and their contractors to finish as quickly as they can, especially as these roads are central to the borough’s infrastructure."

For further information on the works, residents can contact National Grid Gas on 0845 605 6677 or 0800 066 5006, or can visit National Grid

June 23, 2011