MADISON TOWNSHIP – Columbia Gas recently began two projects in Richland County to replace aging gas lines with newer, state-of- the-art plastic pipe.
One job is in Madison Township, encompassing Lehigh, Duke, Lincoln Terrace and sections of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ashland and Stewart. Crews are installing approximately 10,000 feet of new pipe, serving 115 customers in the township.
The other job is in Shiloh, encompassing the area roughly bounded by Noble (north), Main St. (south), Superior (west) and Stock (east). Work will extend a bit east and west on Main St. as well. Crews are installing approximately 10,000 feet of new pipe, serving 125 customers in the village as part of Phase I. Phase II will begin later on in the year.
Work on the Madison Township project officially started last week and Shiloh is underway as of Monday, Aug. 9. Columbia Gas and its contractor, Mid-Ohio Pipeline, will first install the new main line and then proceed to service lines for individual homes. Some gas meters may be relocated as well.
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.
The project requires only a short interruption to natural gas service. Columbia Gas crews or contractors will contact affected customers to schedule the brief shut off and 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.
There is no additional cost to customers and Columbia Gas will restore all impacted property. Work on each project is expected to last about three-to-four months.
For more information, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Replacement. For a short video explaining the process, visit https://vimeo.com/481327238
