Essential gas mains replacement works on Macclesfield Road in Alderley Edge

Ageing gas mains under Macclesfield Road, in Alderley Edge, are about to be upgraded as part of a major investment programme to modernise older sections of the UK’s gas network.

The gas main serving this area was installed in 1968, a year remembered for Manchester United becoming the first English team to win the European Cup and The Beatles releasing “Hey Jude”.

While the pipework met the demands of the time, the area has seen significant development since. To maintain safe and reliable pressures for heating, hot water and cooking 365 days a year, Cadent now needs to install a larger diameter, more resilient pipe.

In recent years, this stretch of pipeline has also shown signs of leakage, requiring emergency call‑outs and causing unplanned disruption. Replacing the main now will address these issues and secure a safer, more robust supply for decades to come.

Works are scheduled to start on 9 March 2026, lasting for approximately four weeks. Extra teams of engineers are assigned to this project, which reduces the amount of time it would otherwise have taken.

This upgrade forms part of Cadent’s wider programme to improve ageing infrastructure and reduce environmental impact.

More information is available at:

www.cadentgas.com/nw5

Traffic management

To ensure the safety of residents, road users and engineers, the following measures will be in place:

A full road closure on Macclesfield Road, from the London Road traffic island to the junction with Norwood Rise, for the duration of the works. Diversion routes will be signposted.

Temporary traffic signals will operate further along Macclesfield Road towards Woodbrook Road as the scheme progresses.

Emergency service access will be maintained at all times.

Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management (North West) at Cadent, said:

“The work we are doing here is part of our wider gas mains upgrade programme – a major, nationwide effort to modernise the oldest pipes in the UK network and ensure we can maintain a safe and reliable supply for heating, hot water, cooking and local businesses.

“On this specific scheme in Alderley Edge, we are upgrading around 900 metres of gas pipes. These older pipes are showing signs of reaching the end of their operational life, and replacing them now ensures the local network remains safe and dependable for years to come.

“The techniques we use mean gas stays on throughout most of the work. Only properties that take a direct feed from the pipe being replaced experience a brief interruption, and their supply is restored the same day it goes off.

“We recognise that road closures and traffic management can create disruption, and we work closely with the local authority to minimise this. I’d like to thank residents for their patience while we complete these essential upgrades."

If you ever smell gas, please do not assume it’s related to our work. Act immediately and call the national gas emergency service on:

0800 111 999

Updates will be provided if any significant changes arise. Further details will be available at: 

www.cadentgas.com/news

For customer enquiries, please contact:

Telephone: 0800 090 3071

Email: CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com