Construction crews working on Columbia Gas’s Harmon Avenue Area Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Project on the north side of Urbana have ceased operations for 2015, but are expected to return after the first of the year to compete the $1.14 million project.

Covering an area roughly south of Twain Avenue, west of Logan Street, north of Light Street and east of Russell Street, the project, which began earlier this year, was commissioned by Columbia Gas and involves the installation of a state of the art natural gas system with enhanced safety and reliability features. To achieve this, the company has replaced nearly two miles of natural gas mains, and beginning Jan. 4, crews will begin replacing 160 customer service lines with plastic pipe.

Kelli Nowinsky, communications & community relations manager for Columbia Gas of Ohio, said the project has gone without a hitch and is on schedule. She added that the replacement of service lines will take between six and eight week. With the work taking place during the heart of winter, Nowinsky said the company will be as accommodating as possible to residents.

“We will approach each customer and find a date and time that works for them,” she said. “When we do the work, it takes on average an hour to switch (customers) from their old customer service line to a new customer service line. Then, we will do a safety check and restore their service.

“Customers should know their new service line has advanced safety features, and everyone will continue to have service as we move through the process. Columbia Gas never does global shut-off when connecting new customer service lines,” Nowinsky added.

Once all customer service lines are installed, crews will move to restoration work.

“We will do as much (of the restoration work) as possible during the winter,” she said.

Residents are reminded that for their added security, they can request to see identification from any individual claiming to be involved with the project as all Columbia Gas employees and contractors carry identification cards bearing their name, photograph and identification number.

Construction crews spent last week working on gas lines in the vicinity of Logan Street in Urbana as part of Columbia Gas’s Harmon Avenue Area Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Project. Due to the holidays, work on the project has been halted until Jan. 4, at which time crews will begin installing service lines. Pictured is a construction area at the corner of Logan Street and Evans Avenue.

https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2015/12/web1_Gas-service.jpgConstruction crews spent last week working on gas lines in the vicinity of Logan Street in Urbana as part of Columbia Gas’s Harmon Avenue Area Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Project. Due to the holidays, work on the project has been halted until Jan. 4, at which time crews will begin installing service lines. Pictured is a construction area at the corner of Logan Street and Evans Avenue.