A major project to modernise a section of the nearly 100-year-old gas pipeline under the A590 in Swarthmoor is set to finish early.

The engineering works, part of an £80 million programme to upgrade ageing gas mains in North West England, had originally been scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

Cadent, the gas distribution network manager for the area, targeted the section between Pennington Lane on the outskirts of Ulverston and Park Road in Swarthmoor, which was at the end of its operating life.

The work commenced at the end of August and was expected to last until mid-October.

However, after successful tests last week, Cadent is optimistic about finishing the project this week.

Mark Syers, head of investment planning (North West), said: "I am pleased to say that, all being well, we should be away from site by the end of Friday (September 27), with a new distribution pipe fully installed, tested and operational.

"While our works are critical to ensuring a safe gas supply to the local area, we know too that having traffic lights up on this busy road has caused disruption.

"We really appreciate everyone’s patience over the last couple of weeks."

The project was timed to coincide with a short window of opportunity agreed with National Highways, where gas demand and supply could be balanced to ensure uninterrupted availability.

This is part of Cadent's £80 million package of work announced in April, as part of a 30-year programme to upgrade older pipes and prepare the network for greener gases.

More than 12km of pipes in the South Lakeland area and more than 5km in Barrow will be upgraded this year as part of 420km across the North West.

Mr Syers said: "Upgrades like this ensure we can continue to supply gas safely to the thousands of local homes that rely on our network, for warmth in winter.

"But it also means an end to disruption caused by us having to maintain and repair pipes that – as in this case – have reached the natural end of their operating lives."

Cadent in the North West employs around 1,200 people.

The company is responsible for maintaining and upgrading more than 21,000 miles of mostly underground gas distribution pipes and providing a 24/7, 365-days-a-year gas emergency service.

Customers with questions about the project can contact the team by phone at 0800 090 3071, by email at CustomerCareNW@cadentgas.com, or through their online contact form.

If any gas is smelt during this work, nearby, or anywhere else, the public is urged to ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999.

Do not delay or assume it is related to this work, as it may not be and must be checked.