Motorists are being urged to plan ahead as Wales & West Utilities continues its major gas pipe replacement programme in Minchinhampton, with a series of road closures scheduled over the coming months.
The work, which began in the Box area last month, is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2027.
Working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed that traffic management measures will remain in place throughout the project, including a number of phased road closures.
The planned closures are:
- Theescombe Hill to Beaudesert Park School – 20 July to 23 September
- April Cottage to Box Corner – 21 September to 9 October
- Box Green to Box Road – 5 October to 13 November
- Box Cottage to Halfway House Inn – 9 November to 22 January 2027
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place, while access for residents will be maintained wherever possible.
The Minchinhampton scheme forms part of Wales & West Utilities’ wider £7.5 million investment to upgrade ageing gas pipes across Gloucestershire over the next two years.
The programme will see almost 26 kilometres of gas mains replaced across Stroud, Chalford, Minchinhampton and Nailsworth, helping to ensure the network remains safe, reliable and ready to carry greener gases in the future.
Ryan Barkway, who is managing the project for Wales & West Utilities, said: “This work involves investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve. We’ll be keeping the local community updated on these works and working with the local authority, and other key partners, to keep disruption to a minimum.
“We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and businesses can rely on every day.
“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals – and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.
“Once we’ve completed this intensive phase of work, we’ll leave behind an upgraded network that meets today’s energy needs and is ready to transport greener gases in the future. By completing this work now, barring any emergency repairs, we can avoid returning to the area and causing further disruption to the local community for decades.”
Residents can find the latest information about gas pipe upgrade projects and what to expect during the works on the Wales & West Utilities website.
Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should immediately call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Trained engineers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to emergencies.
