Update - Friday 31 July
Our engineers are making steady progress upgrading our gas network on all approaches to the Coffin Corner junction:
- We've inserted nearly 200m of new pipe along Nash Road and 118m has been installed on Shottendane Road
- Approximately 100m of old main has been decommissioned so far
- 15 supply pipes serving nearby properties to date
Next week, we plan to install around 100m of new pipe along Manston Road.
That's before we begin connections across all five roads approaching the junction. This part of our work will be complex due to the number of other utilities located underground.
To carry this out safely, we'll now be using specialist equipment mounted on HGVs. Despite the engineering challenges, we remain on track to complete our project on schedule.
We're working closely with other utilities at this junction. Coordinating activities now will help reduce future disruption at this busy location.
Following feedback from road users, we've adjusted signage to make the traffic management measures around the site clearer.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding while this essential work is carried out.
Our engineers started essential work to upgrade the gas network at the Coffin Corner junction in Margate on Wednesday 22 July
This work will ensure a continued safe and reliable supply of gas is delivered to nearby homes and businesses and is part of our 30-year programme of work to replace our old mains, reaching the end of their useful lives, with new, reliable plastic pipe.
This project is expected to last approximately six weeks. We're carrying this work out during the school summer holidays as the roads are typically quieter during this period.
We're doing everything we can to ensure we minimise disruption at this sensitive traffic location. This includes assigning three separate teams to work on the network upgrades, and we've agreed to work collaboratively with other utilities so they can carry out their required works simultaneously - avoiding another road closure in the near future.
Where we'll be working
Coffin Corner junction
To ensure everyone's safety, the following roads will be closed on their approach to the junction while we carry out this work:
- Shottendane Road
- Nash Road
- College Road
- Tivoli Road
- Hartsdown Road
Manston Road
As well as working at Coffin Corner, we'll be upgrading our network along Nash Road to its junction with Turner Close, and along Shottendane Road to its junction with Manston Road.
- Manston Road will be shut to motorists at its junction with Shottendane Road for safety
Important information
- Signed diversion routes will be in place for affected motorists.
- Access will be maintained for residents and businesses inside the closure area where it's safe to do so. This includes those living in Empire Terrace.
- Pedestrian access is unaffected by this work. Cyclists are kindly asked to dismount and walk through the closure point.
We recognise roadworks can be frustrating, and we're sorry for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. However, the new plastic pipe has a lifespan of 80 years, which means when the work is complete, nearby residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply long into the future.
