Preconstruction work has begun on a Columbia Gas project to install 1,500 feet of new plastic pipe on the north side of Mount Vernon along Nuce Road and Marma Drive. The project aims to clear a conflict ahead of the Dan Emmett Neighborhood Revitalization Project.

According to a City of Mount Vernon press release, the utility company's contractor, Global Energy Partners, will lay pipe along all of Nuce Road from Mansfield Avenue east to just short of Decatur Drive, and north along Marma Drive from Nuce to just short of Northgate Drive.

About 20 customers will be affected by the work. They may have noticed markers and flags appearing in yards that mark the locations of underground facilities. Columbia Gas asks residents to leave those in place until the work is completed.

The new mainline was being installed the week of June 3. Upon completion, crews will follow up with service line replacements for individual homes. The work will take two to four hours per property and include a short service disconnection. Meters located indoors will be moved outside. Global Energy Partners will contact each property owner to make an appointment for the shutoff, relight, and when necessary, meter relocation.

A temporary property restoration will be made to ensure safety and accessibility. Permanent grade restoration will follow as the project nears completion. Some of that work will be done with the Dan Emmett Neighborhood Revitalization Project. Traffic congestion can be expected in work zones. Flaggers will be on hand to aid traffic.

Residents should contact Ben Cutler, public affairs manager for Columbia Gas of Ohio at 216-215-4103 to share information about buried sprinkler or septic systems, invisible fences or cisterns, or to discuss concerns about the pipeline project.