Phase 2 Starts Usk Gas Pipe Replacement Scheme

Published: 02 April 2018

From Tuesday 3rd April we'll see the Gas Pipes Replacement Project move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 - effectively the half way point and on the run in back to normality.

With this will come some changes to the road closure arrangement, but the diversion route will be largely unaffected.

The intention for Phase Two is that the section of road between Porthycarne Street and Castle Parade will be closed to vehicles. There will be efforts made to keep the top of Twyn Square open, but there may be a period of several days where this cannot be the managed due to the position of the pipes in the road by the junction. On the basis that this needs to close, the diversion through Usk from West to East will be via Chepstow Road and Four Ash Street. As this change takes place, Castle Street will be closed at the top and opened from the bottom (off Four Ash Street) - for residents only.

The top end of Maryport Street - the junction from Bridge Street by Barclays Bank will reopen and the one way direction will revert to it's usual direction. The existing, temporary one way systems in place in the lower end of Maryport Street (from below the junction of Old Market Street, past the prison to Mill Lane), Mill Street and Old Market Street will remain in place.

Bridge Street will reopen from Usk Bridge up to The Three Salmons junction for traffic heading in and out of the Abergavenny road / Porthycarne Street direction .

Please be alert to other changes however, the timing and extent of the changes is in the hands of Wales & West Utilities, Monmouthshire County Council and Forest Traffic Management. They will do what they can, when they can to facilitate smooth flowing traffic and, along with the Police PCSOs, troubleshoot as required.

Along with the move to Phase 2 will come a repositioning, replacing of cones and signs etc., W & W U monitor this on each working day, along with some additional PCSO patrols.

Please be alert to any changes, drive and park carefully, safely. legally and considerately to avoid penalties and accidents.

Be particularly aware that we are currently (Sunday 2nd April) on high alert for the effects of flooding - particularly in the area of the brook on Mill Street.

Forest Traffic Management have had a look and will continue to monitor today, overnight and in the morning. If it becomes necessary, traffic lights will be put on Old Market Street as a Plan B until the water subsides.

Along with the bad weather and greater weight of traffic during the diversions, please also be aware that there is an increase in potholes too. You can use the My Monmouthshire App on the Mon CC site to report any that open up. The preexisting ones have been reported, so should be dealt with as soon as possible.

We will continue to place regular updates on the website and social media channels based on the reports we receive from the Project Manager.

Finally watch out for details of an exciting "Usk Shoppers Initiative" due to launch very soon with chances to win some great shopping vouchers!!