Elgin motorists face second spell of gas disruption

SGN begin another phase of pipe replacement works next month.
SGN begin another phase of pipe replacement works next month.

MORE ROAD DELAYS await motorists travelling through Elgin in the next few months as major gas works get under way once again in the Moray town.

SGN will return to work along the A96 at the start of next month, the firm having agreed a schedule with Moray Council and Bear Scotland to press on with their pipe replacement programme.

A spokesman for the gas infrastructure firm said: “We are currently working on a 30-year programme to replace all our metal pipes within 30 metres of property with new plastic pipes.

“The plastic pipes are more flexible and robust and if left undisturbed will last for decades, ensuring a continued safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.”

The latest round of works in Elgin is being undertaken over three phases with SGN saying this is the best way to minimise disruption. The first phase will begin at South College Street between its junction with Pansport Road and the footpath at Cathedral Road – road closures will be in place during this phase, which begins on September 5.

Workers will then move on to work on the footpath between South College Street and the A96, closing the footpath for around a week, while in October the final phase will involve work on the A96 itself near its junction with South College Street – there will be no right turn from the A96 into South College Street. Signed diversions will be in place throughout the works.

Motorists first faced delays when SGN began work in July from East Road to Ashgrove Road – that programme was completed a week ahead of schedule on August 5.