Drivers and residents in Aberdulais are facing almost three months of roadworks from this Sunday after Wales and West Utilities confirmed it is starting work to replace ageing gas pipes in the Dulais Road Fach area.
The work begins on Sunday 18 May and, if all goes to plan, is not expected to finish until 17 August — meaning traffic management will remain in place throughout most of the summer.
Traffic lights will be in operation throughout the scheme, which has been planned in conjunction with Neath Port Talbot Council.
The work is part of a wider £950,000 investment by Wales & West Utilities to upgrade gas infrastructure across the Neath Valley over the next two years, with more than four kilometres of gas pipes set to be replaced across the area as part of the programme.
Adam Smith, the Wales & West Utilities project manager overseeing the Aberdulais scheme, acknowledged the disruption but said the work was unavoidable.
“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area,” he said. “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community.”
He added that the Aberdulais work was also about future-proofing the network for cleaner energy.
“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future,” he said.
Residents who need more information about the project can visit wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects or call the Wales & West Utilities customer service team free on 0800 912 2999.
The scheme is expected to cause the most disruption during peak hours, with drivers advised to allow extra time for journeys through the area throughout the duration of the works.
The wider Neath Valley mains replacement programme is one of several ongoing infrastructure investments by Wales & West Utilities across south Wales, as the company works to upgrade pipes that in some cases date back decades.
If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak at any point during the works, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately — engineers are available around the clock.
