Gas upgrade work begins in Shaw area

Gas pipe replacement work has begun in the Shaw area, with a series of traffic restrictions and road closures planned over the coming months.

Wales & West Utilities has started work which is expected to continue into early 2027.

The work will initially involve three-way traffic lights at the junction of Corsham Road and Top Lane until 28th August.

A road closure will then be in place on Middle Lane from 12th to 30th October. This will take place in two phases, with the road closed between Top Lane and Brookfield Drive from 12th to 18th October and between Brookfield Drive and Corsham Road from 19th to 25th October. Work to reinstate the road will continue until 30th October.

Three-way traffic lights will be used on Shaw Hill from 2nd to 27th November and on Bath Road from 16th November to 18th December.

A road closure is also planned in Shurnhold from 4th January to 5th February 2027.

The work is part of a wider programme by Wales & West Utilities to replace almost five kilometres of gas pipes in the area. The company is investing more than £1.2 million in gas pipe upgrades across Melksham over the next 18 months.

The work has been planned in conjunction with Wiltshire Council.

Mick Gallavin from Wales & West Utilities is managing the work. He said, “We understand our work can cause disruption but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and business can rely on every day. In upgrading the gas network, the work will meet today’s energy needs, whilst also ensuring it is ready to transport greener gases in the future.

“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life – from heating homes to cooking meals and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.”

For more information about work in the area, visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/.