WILMINGTON — Contract crews working for Vectren will soon begin replacing gas mains and service lines in Wilmington as part of the company’s pipeline replacement program, a multi-year program to replace about 700 miles of bare steel and cast iron pipeline infrastructure throughout Ohio.
According to Vectren, in Wilmington more than $900,000 will go toward replacing nearly 1.5 miles of gas main and approximately 180 service lines in 2016. Vectren intends to retire a total of more than 13 miles in Wilmington over the next several years.
“To ensure the continued reliability of our natural gas pipeline systems and service, Vectren has undertaken a program to replace essentially all of our bare steel and cast iron pipeline infrastructure,” said Colleen Ryan, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio president. “These infrastructure enhancements are vital to meeting federal requirements and ensuring the continued safety of our system for decades to come.”
Streets affected during the project include Lincoln Street, Walnut Street, South Street, Ruby Avenue, Fairland Avenue, Florence Avenue and Curtis Drive. Visit the Active Projects tab on www.vectren.com/pipelinereplacement to view an interactive map displaying all streets in Wilmington where construction will take place in 2016.
In most cases, a polyethylene (plastic) system is being installed to replace the current bare steel and cast iron gas pipeline system. First, the gas main will be replaced within the right-of-way, and then the service lines running directly to homes and businesses will be replaced. Upon completion of the project, affected yards, sidewalks and streets will be restored.
“Construction for these pipeline projects may take several weeks to complete, and times may vary based on the size of the project, weather, ground surface/soil and other situations that may arise,” said Ryan. “Please be assured that Vectren and its contractors will make every effort to complete each project as quickly as possible and minimize impact to customers and the community.”
Wilmington is one of more than 40 cities in Ohio undergoing this type of pipeline replacement, according to Vectren.
