18 Mar 2008 Gas Pipeline

National Grid will begin construction of the new gas pipeline between Barton Stacey and Lockerley at the end of March

National Grid will begin construction of the new gas pipeline between Barton Stacey and Lockerley at the end of the March. The pipeline will run for over 30 kilometres from the existing installation to the north of the A303 to Lockerley and is needed to meet the increasing demand for gas in the South of England.

The principal contractor - NACAP Land and Marine - has established a temporary site compound and pipe storage area on the northern outskirts of Barton Stacey next to the westbound junction of the A303. During January 2,500 pipes, each 12 metres long, were delivered to the site and from mid-April these will be moved out as the construction of the pipe progresses. The site includes office facilities that will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Construction activity will begin with the marking of the centre line for the route of the pipeline and the pegging out of the working width. Once started, Land and Marine will construct the pipeline in a series of phases running along the route of the pipeline from north to south. To the north and east of Barton Stacey, the new pipeline will be laid underneath the A303, River Dever and Bullington Lane, and to the south of the village the pipeline will also pass under the A30 and A272. Across open country, a trench will be dug and the pipe will be laid in it. Land and Marine expect to complete, test and commission the new pipeline by the end of the year.

If you want to know more about the project, or have any questions, please call National Grid's Community Relations Team on 0800 377 7340. You might also wish to read:

• A fuller description of the project provided by National Grid.
• National Grid's Environmental Statement on their website