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Columbia Gas line replacement begins on East McMurray Road

2 min read

In an effort to avoid interfering with traffic while replacing an aging gas line along East McMurray Road in Peters Township, Columbia Gas Co. will work on the $1 million project from 7 p.m.-6 a.m. Sundays through Fridays.

Brynnly Schwartz, communications specialist for the gas company, said the project began July 7 and is anticipated to be completed before the asphalt plants close in October. The final date for completion is dependent on the weather, Schwartz said, and will involve only one lane of the two-lane road owned by the state Department of Transportation.

The multi-colored spray paint and stakes with pink ribbons designate what other utility lines are in the area, with yellow paint indicating where the existing gas line is located.

The entire project will travel about 11,000 feet, or more than two miles.

Schwartz said the gas company worked with township officials to ensure the least amount of impact on traffic.

Michael Silvestri, township manager, said officials hoped to delay the project until possibly next summer after the 16-month project on Valley Brook Road is finished and the road is open around Labor Day. Many of the vehicles are detoured from Valley Brook Road to East McMurray Road during the construction to realign and rebuild the intersection of Valley Brook and Old Washington roads. Valley Brook Road closed in May 2013.

Additional aging gas lines will be replaced on other streets in the township, with that work being done during daylight hours, Schwartz said.

Since 2007, Columbia Gas has spent $700 million upgrading and replacing gas line infrastructure in Pennsylvania, with $188 million of that amount being spent in 2014 with $20 million to be used on projects in Washington County.

In Allegheny County, projects are planned on Bower Hill Road in Mt. Lebanon, with completion expected July 31 with 5,360 feet of pipe replacement to benefit about 70 customers. There will be an upgrade in Bethel Park on Stoltz Road, Plantation Drive, Library Road, Route 88, Jasmine Drive and Brian Drive. Work began during daylight hours March 17 with a completion date of Sept. 30.

In all cases, customers’ gas service may be turned off one at a time for several hours with 72-hours notice. Columbia Gas will perform any re-lighting work.

For additional information on projects, visit columbiagaspa.com.

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