Natural Gas

The Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program is an ongoing pipeline replacement project aimed at modernizing and enhancing the resilience and safety of our client’s natural gas distribution system. Upon completion, this project will have upgraded a 1,200-mile network, ensuring a more reliable service for all customers.

Before beginning any work, our team sent letters to all affected customers in the community. We also notified relevant oversight bodies about the planned work and provided a timeline. Our project coordinators and general foremen took extra steps to personally contact homeowners, either by phone or in person, to explain the work, its impact, and the expected completion time.

To execute the project, our team utilized multiple dump trucks, backhoes, mini-excavators, and skid steers. Daily tasks involved working with pipe, backfill material, and hot mix for temporary repairs. Maintaining excavated tie-in holes overnight was crucial, requiring the use of multiple shoring boxes. Specialized fittings were necessary for tie-ins to the larger 8-inch steel mains, which are not typically used every day. The crew also collaborated with a customer-provided tie-in team to complete these connections.

Bare Steel Main Replacement

The project team successfully installed 1,210 feet of 4-inch and 8-inch plastic mains, creating four separate tie-ins with existing 4-inch and 8-inch steel mains. Additionally, 12 existing services were converted to the new main. During installation, crews encountered unmarked and unmapped utilities, underscoring the importance of proper trenching techniques and proactive planning.

4 Main Replacement

The 4 Main Replacement marks a significant phase in the Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program. In this stage, crews installed 595 feet of 2-inch PLA 20# gas main. The project also included replacing 21 service mains and a 6-inch cast iron main. Additionally, 653 feet of 6-inch cast iron gas main were safely abandoned in place, with one end sealed and a purge riser installed on the other to ensure the safe removal of gas. 

The Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program is a testament to our commitment to providing safe and reliable natural gas services. Through meticulous planning, community engagement, and expert execution, we are proud to enhance the infrastructure that serves our valued customers. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress on this vital project.