Gridlock misery for The Ridge until 2028
Drivers have been warned to expect more than two years of gridlock along The Ridge, as SGN (formerly Scotia Gas Networks) begins a marathon gas-pipe replacement project. The work – part of a 30-year national programme – will start on Tuesday 22 September. It will be rolled out in six phases with completion expected by August 2028.
SGN insists the work is vital and cannot be postponed. The project will replace the old cast iron and wrought iron gas mains which were laid over 100 years ago with new, more durable polyethylene plastic pipes, which have a lifespan of up to 80 years. The company is confident that once the upgrade project is complete, residents and businesses will benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.
Temporary traffic lights will be installed along The Ridge to manage traffic flow and maintain public safety. These will be manually operated to keep traffic moving smoothly throughout the works.
A spokesperson for SGN said: “We will do everything we can to keep traffic moving, but we strongly advise motorists to plan ahead, use alternative routes where possible and allow significantly more time for their journeys while the lights are in operation.”
Drivers need no further warning about delays along The Ridge. The road is a notorious bottleneck at the best of times, and these works will cause major disruption, especially for those heading to the Conquest Hospital.
TIMELINE OF ROAD CHAOS
Phase 1 (22 September – 11 December 2026): Grange Road to Stonestile Lane (1,500m of pipe replacement and upgrading 30 services to adjoining properties);
Phase 2 (4 January – 5 April 2027): Stonestile Lane to Elphinstone Road (650m of replacement and upgrading seven services to adjoining properties);
Phase 3 (28 June – 13 September 2027): Elphinstone Road to Norcross Close (700m of pipe replacement and upgrading 11 services to adjoining properties);
Phase 4 (16 October – 31 October 2027): Grange Road to Stonestile Lane (28m of pipe replacement);
Phase 5 (3 January – 28 February 2028): Maitland Close to Conquest Hospital roundabout (425m of pipe replacement and upgrading 38 services to adjoining properties);
Phase 6 (26 June – 21 August 2028): Norcross Close to Pine Avenue – 450m of pipe replacement).
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It would make sense to resfurce the raod at the same time..