Update on the Penge Lane gas works

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) have found that the repair work on Penge Lane is more complex than they originally anticipated and this has had an effect on the proposed end date for the works. SGN are now expecting works to continue until Thursday, 24th December 2015 (Christmas Eve).

Works were delayed here originally for the first few weeks as Southern Gas Networks (SGN) there was another major leak on the same network and ddue to health and safety, SGN were unable to backfill the excavation on Penge Lane until the repair is complete and the main is made safe. While the excavation is open, the gas main is being vented, rather than building up underneath the ground. If the gas main was buried, the gas would not be able to escape, posing a higher health and safety risk as the gas readings would be greater than what they currently are. This is why the site may have looked neglected/forgotten about to motorists driving through.

Southern Gas Networks have now completed the repair at Southend Lane and have fully moved their specialist teams over to Penge Lane. The road closure is needed as the excavation and plant is taking up the majority of the road and there would not be enough room to maintain traffic flow.

The gas board have had some problems exposing their standpipes (which would enable them to gain some control on the gas main), so have used specialist equipment to do this as they cannot use a standard digger. Once they gained control on the standpipes, they were able to make more progress with their works but have found more complex issues.

Ben Howard, LBB’s Traffic Officer is in regular contact and will keep us updated.