Gas line project to begin replacement

Columbia Gas soon will begin a project in Lorain to replace aging gas lines with plastic pipe.

The majority of work will take place in the area bounded by 32nd Street, 36th Street, Elyria Avenue and Dallas Avenue, according to a news release from Columbia Gas.

Some work will extend further south on Toledo Avenue and west on 34th and 35th streets.

Crews will install about 11,500 feet of new pipe, serving about 220 customers.

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, according to the release.

Once installed, the modernized system will last longer and reduce the amount of future maintenance required for upkeep.

There is no additional cost to customers for this project, the release said.

This work is part of Columbia’s 25 year, $2 billion plan to improve the safety and reliability of more than 20,000 miles of underground natural gas pipe.

The project will require only a short interruption to natural gas service, the release said.

Columbia Gas crews or contractors will contact customers before shutting off service and scheduling relight appointments.

All employees and contractors carry identification cards with their names and photograph and must show them upon request.

By early February, residents should expect to see crews and equipment in the area.

Following pre-construction work, Columbia Gas and its contractor, Infrasource, will begin construction by installing the new main line and then proceed to service lines for individual houses.

Some gas meters may be relocated as well.

The project should conclude this summer, depending on weather conditions and other factors.

Columbia Gas will restore all property affected by construction.