A HUGE engineering project to upgrade 1,400 metres of an old gas main running under one of Bolton’s busiest roads is finally nearing completion.

The seven month project has seen more than £440,000 invested into the main that runs for over a kilometre under Blackburn Road.

The work will ensure that thousands of residents will keep warm during the winter, with the vital upgrades future-proofing the pipe.

Records indicate that parts of the cast iron main are more than 110 years old.

A mammoth amount of engineering has been put in during the upgrade period, with heavy machinery operating in a densely populated, residential area along what is a very busy road.

Cadent, a gas distribution network which manages the North West’s gas mains, has said that careful planning has gone into keeping homes and businesses supplied during the work.

Craig Horrocks, who manages Cadent’s gas main replacement programme in the North West, said: “This is big engineering and before we began this project in April, we worked closely with Bolton Council for many months to plan out a seven month scheme of work that has kept gas flowing and everyone safe.

“The end is now in sight with our programme due to finish next month.”

The project on Blackburn Road is part of a bigger scheme being rolled out across the UK, with plans to upgrade old metallic gas mains over the next several decades.”

Mr Horrocks said he understands some people will have been disrupted by the work, but hopes that they can be understanding.

Some pipes around the UK have been in the ground since the 19th century and are still distributing gas, highlighting the important need for upgrades to ensure quality and safety.

He added: “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. We know this has been disruptive, but we hope people understand the work is essential to maintain a long-term, safe gas supply for the area.

“It will also mean the end of frequent, equally disruptive visits to carry out repairs on what was a very old gas main.”

Residents close to the Blackburn Road area should not dismiss the smell of gas as being connected to the work and should report it immediately to the national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999.