T-L Photo/JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH Workers with NPL, a subcontractor working for Columbia Gas, install new gas lines along North Lincoln Avenue in Bridgeport on Tuesday. The project will impact nearly 400 customers and will take a few months to complete.
MARTINS FERRY — Columbia Gas is replacing gas lines in Martins Ferry in a project that will impact about 383 customers and will replace about 15,000 feet of pipe.
Erica Chronaberry, a Columbus-based communications specialist for Columbia Gas of Ohio, said via email that this pipeline replacement project was postponed from last year.
“Because of its size, the project will probably run into the summer — but again, numerous things could factor into the time frame,” Chronaberry wrote.
In a news release, Columbia Gas addressed the question: What will this mean for residents?
First, Columbia Gas contractor Northern Pipeline, or NPL, will work street by street to install new main lines in road rights of way followed by new service lines to each individual home or business.
Second, gas service will not be impacted until it is time to connect to the new gas system. For most customers, gas service will be interrupted for about two to four hours. Customers will get advance notice of this service interruption.
Third, any surface that has to be disturbed will be repaired. This includes sidewalks, driveways, lawns, landscaping, etc.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia Gas employees and contractors are taking proactive steps to keep our customers, employees, and contractor partners safe,” the release states. “If crews need to enter a home or business to complete essential work, please know employees and contractors are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Upon completion of the work, the company said, customers will have a fully modernized gas system with added safety features, such as:
∫ Excess flow valves: Customer service lines will have EFVs which are designed to restrict the flow of natural gas if a service line is damaged or broken.
∫ Exterior meters: Customers with indoor meters will have meters relocated to the exterior to help first responders locate and shut off service during an emergency.
∫ Plastic pipe: This specially designed plastic pipe has a longer shelf life and requires less maintenance than the bare steel and cast iron pipe it replaces.
“Columbia Gas has invested more than $1.5 billion in communities around the state to replace aging gas lines over the last decade,” the release notes. “This is paying off in safety with leaks being reduced by 40 percent.”
Customers can contact Luka Papalko, public affairs manager for Columbia Gas, with questions or concerns at rcolon@nisource.com or 419-351-8398. Visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Replacement for more project information.
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