Gas pipeline upgrades under way by Vectren in Greencastle

Contract crews working for Vectren have begun replacing gas mains and service lines in Greencastle as part of the company’s pipeline replacement program.

The program is a multi-year effort to replace about 1,300 miles of bare steel and cast-iron pipeline infrastructure throughout Indiana.

In Greencastle, more than $820,000 will go toward retiring approximately one mile of gas main and more than 100 service lines in 2020. Since 2008, more than four miles have been retired within the city.

Vectren intends to retire a total of nearly nine miles in Greencastle through the end of the pipeline replacement program.

“In 2020, we continue another year of our pipeline replacement program, modernizing our infrastructure and replacing essentially all of our bare steel and cast-iron pipeline throughout our Indiana territory,” Richard Leger, vice president of Natural Gas Distribution, Indiana and Ohio, said.

“Focused on continuing to meet federal requirements, Vectren remains committed to strengthening our system to ensure continued reliability and safe delivery of natural gas service to our customers for decades to come,” Leger added.

Streets affected during the project include: Arlington Street, Highridge Avenue, Hillcrest Drive, Tacoma Drive and Shadowlawn Avenue.

At the March City Council meeting, Mayor Bill Dory said 7,000 feet of gasline is being replaced, including along North Arlington Street from Franklin to Vale. Houck Road will also be done from Albin Pond Road to the city limits.

Visit www.vectren.com/pipelinereplacement to view an interactive map displaying all streets in Greencastle where construction will take place in 2020.

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,” Leger said. “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.”

Prior to service replacement, a Vectren representative will contact customers to provide an overview of the required work. Vectren reminds Greencastle residents to please keep the following in mind:

• Please exercise caution when driving through the construction zones.

• Residents and their children are urged to keep a safe distance away from any work zones.

Greencastle is one of nearly 75 cities in Indiana undergoing this type of pipeline replacement. Since 2008, nearly 800 miles have been retired in Indiana, which has led to a reduction in leak calls and natural gas emissions from the distribution system.

For more information about Vectren’s gas infrastructure modernization program, visit www.vectren.com/pipelinereplacement.