Drivers warned of road closures and delays during Torquay gas works

Gas pipe upgrade work is set to begin in the Steep Hill area of Maidencombe in the New Year, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.

The company will start work on 5 January, with the project expected to run until the end of March, subject to progress. The upgrades are aimed at ensuring gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses in the area for decades to come.

Wales & West Utilities said it has been working closely with Torbay Council to agree traffic management arrangements during the works. These will include:

• Two-way traffic lights on Teignmouth Road from 5 January to 2 February

• A road closure on Rock House Lane, from the junction of Steep Hill to outside Five Meadows, from 5 January to 2 February

• A road closure on Steep Hill, between the junctions of Teignmouth Road and the access road to the car park, from 2 to 23 February

• A road closure on Brim Hill, between the junctions of Rock House Lane and Teignmouth Road, from 2 February to 2 April

The project is being managed by Wales & West Utilities’ Natalie Raphael.

She said: “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, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“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.”

Residents can find out more about the pipe upgrade programme on the Wales & West Utilities website. Anyone with questions about the project can contact the company’s customer service team free on 0800 912 2999, message @WWUtilities on X, or visit its Facebook page.

Wales & West Utilities is responsible for the gas emergency and pipeline network serving more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. The company does not sell gas but transports it through an underground network spanning more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24 hours a day.