By the beginning of next week, some New Concord homeowners may find their daily routines interrupted by digging in their yards and visits from gas workers. It’s a temporary inconvenience Columbia Gas of Ohio says will pay off in the long run as the company begins its four-month, one-point two million dollar project in the village.
“There’s going to be dirt. There’s going to be disruption,” said Columbia Gas of Ohio External Affairs Specialist, Shane Cartmill.
As part of a 20-year, 2.5 billion dollar project throughout the State of Ohio, the company will be replacing 6,000 feet of steel main from as early as the 1930s with modern, plastic pipe in New Concord.
Streets located between Layton Drive and Delaware Street on the village’s east end will be affected. The process begins by replacing the main, then moving to the service lines. That’s the part that Cartmill said will impact customers the most.
Columbia Gas New Concord Replacement Map.
Upon completion, the project will allow for business expansion and use of generators as the entire village will move from low to medium pressure.
During a public meeting at Village Hall March 29, New Concord residents had the opportunity to learn about the project from Columbia Gas of Ohio representatives and have their questions answered.
Those in attendance were mostly concerned with transportation.
Columbia Gas representatives assured the public they will be working to keep traffic flowing safely.
The project is expected to be completed by July. Columbia Gas of Ohio promises to restore any damages caused by the project, including cracks in the sidewalks and streets as well as planting grass in yards.
Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the company.
As part of the process, Columbia Gas employees and contractors will be knocking on doors. Residents should ask for proper identification if approached.
The company also asks for college students renting property in the affected area to share project information with their landlords.
For additional background information, see the March 26 story announcing the project.
