MOUNT VERNON – Columbia Gas will soon begin a project in Mount Vernon to replace aging gas lines with newer, state-of-the-art plastic pipe. The work will take place in the 2nd Ward, encompassing portions of Franklin, Marion, North Norton, West, West Curtis, West Burgess, West Pleasant, North Mulberry and West Sugar. Crews will install approximately 7,600 feet of new pipe, serving approximately 140 customers.
Columbia Gas will hold a virtual public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, for any residents with questions. Dial-in information is included below.
The new plastic pipe has several benefits, including enhanced safety features and the ability to bend to the earth’s contour while expanding and contracting with shifting temperatures. Once installed, the modernized system will last longer and reduce the amount of future maintenance required for upkeep.
There is no additional cost to customers for this project. The work is part of Columbia’s 25-year, $2 billion plan to improve the safety and reliability of more than 20,000 miles of underground natural gas pipe.
The project will require only a short interruption to natural gas service. Columbia Gas crews or contractors will contact customers before shutting off service and scheduling relight appointments. All employees and contractors carry identification cards with their names and photograph and must show them upon request. In light of COVID-19, crews are also following strict recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep everyone safe.
Customers in the project area should expect to see crews and equipment in the vicinity. Following another week or so of pre-construction work, Columbia Gas and its contractor, Mid-Ohio Pipeline, will begin construction by installing the new mainline and then proceed to service lines for individual homes. Some gas meters may be relocated as well.
The project should finish by late spring or early summer, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Columbia Gas will restore all property affected by construction.
For more information, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Replacement. For a short video explaining the process, visit https://vimeo.com/481327238.
Virtual meeting dial-in information:
Video Link: https://nisource.webex.com/meet/bcutler
Conference line (toll): 1-203-607-0564
Conference line (toll-free): +1-866-692-3580
Passcode: 173 694 5189
.webp)
.webp)
