Major gasline replacement project underway in Lorain, Elyria; expected to last 3 to 4 months

Columbia Gas crews currently are installing new gas lines in Lorain and Elyria in a project that will replace aging lines with new plastic lines.

However, officials said it could take between three to four months to complete.

“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,” the gas company said in a news release explaining the project. “Once installed, the modernized system will last longer and reduce the amount of future maintenance required for upkeep.”

Crews began excavation in Elyria earlier this month, the release said.

This week, preconstruction work began in Lorain, according to the release.

The Elyria project will impact 240 customers.

Crews will replace lines on Bellfield Avenue from Poplar Street to Greely Street; Langford Avenue from St. Jude to Cleveland Street; Marseilles Avenue from Poplar Street to Cleveland Avenue and Greely Street from Marseilles Avenue to Oliver Avenue.

The Lorain project will impact 150 customers and involves the replacement of 6,000 feet of pipe.

That project will focus on an area bound by East 14th Street to the north, East 19th Street to the south and Washington Avenue to the west, and Long Avenue to the east.

Customers could suffer brief interruptions in service during the course of the project, which is expected to last for three to four months, according to Columbia Gas.

Customers will be contacted ahead of time before any interruption of service due to the project.

At that time, costumers will be scheduled for relighting of pilot lights.