Reopening date announced for major Horsham road shut for weeks for gas mains work

Gas company SGN confirmed today that work to upgrade the local gas supply network in Worthing Road, Horsham, will finish in mid-May and the road finally reopened to traffic.

The gas network operator is replacing old metal pipes in phases along the B2237, starting from the junction with Blackbridge Lane. It is part of a 30-year programme of work developed with the Health and Safety Executive to replace gas mains that are reaching the end of their useful lives with new reliable plastic pipe, which SGN say, has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

Engineers provided the update following a site visit by Horsham MP Jeremy Quin. The MP was told that replacing the old pipes will address future disruption as well as ensure nearby properties have a reliable supply of gas.

SGN project manager Dan Rice said: “The work has been planned with West Sussex County Council, however we appreciate the inconvenience to the local community and visitors to Horsham, especially when it began in February.

"The team committed to extended hours to minimise the length of disruption and despite a period of bad weather, we’re pleased to say the work is on schedule.

“Because the section of road that is closed is accessible for local residents, there have been some motorists who’ve tried to get through the barriers. We are using mobile CCTV because we’re very keen to ensure everyone’s safety.

"The good news is the main road will reopen in four weeks’ time as planned, by May 13. We’d also like to thank customers who live in Worthing Road for being so accommodating during our work.”

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West Sussex County Council is using the closure as an opportunity to do some remedial work in Worthing Road at the same time, he added.

Once Worthing Road reopens, SGN says it will need to undertake a short section in adjacent side road River Mead, although it says that this won’t require any active traffic management.

The majority of the network in the surrounding area, including Horsham town centre, has already been upgraded.