A key route through Chichester will be inaccessible for approximately seven weeks to facilitate critical gas infrastructure improvements.
Stockbridge Road will be closed between the A27 junction and Grosvenor Road beginning Saturday, October 10, as part of SGN’s initiative to swap outdated metal gas mains for contemporary plastic alternatives.
The shutdown constitutes the initial stage of a broader three-month programme to modernise the local gas distribution network.
SGN engineering manager Christopher Holford explained that the company has coordinated extensively with council officials regarding the scheme and is committed to minimising inconvenience during these necessary works.
He acknowledged that road improvements can cause annoyance but emphasised that the replacement plastic piping boasts an expected operational life of at least 80 years, meaning once complete, households and commercial properties in Chichester will benefit from sustained safe and dependable gas distribution for decades ahead.
Throughout the closure, emergency services vehicles may still traverse the route via the A27, with personnel stationed round-the-clock at entry points to regulate access.
The thoroughfare will be fully restored to traffic prior to commencing the subsequent stage of the programme.
The second stage commences on Monday, November 30, with an anticipated duration of roughly four weeks.
Operations will relocate to Birdham Road in the section between The Meadows and Strides Court, where temporary multi-phase signalling will control traffic flow.
SGN has assured that commercial establishments and retailers in the vicinity will continue trading normally during construction.
Public transport routes are anticipated to experience disruption during this interval.
These improvements form part of SGN’s continuing mains replacement initiative, developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.
The company has stated that the enhancements are essential to preserve a secure and dependable gas service for local residents and businesses.