PSEG Preps For Major Gas Pipe Project In Montclair

Montclair, NJ – PSE&G is poised to begin a major gas pipe replacement project in Montclair.

According to a company news release, starting around May 9, the project will replace about 2.5 miles of older gas pipes in the township with new plastic and/or coated steel piping.

The gas main replacement portion of the work is expected to be complete in July of 2016, PSE&G officials stated.

The paving and street restoration is expected to be completed in August of 2016.

Click here for a list of affected roadways in Montclair.

The upgrades are part of PSE&G’s three-year program to replace up to 510 miles of aging gas infrastructure throughout New Jersey, company officials stated.

• See related article: In Livingston: PSEG To Start Major Gas Pipe Replacement Project

PSE&G claims that the new pipes will “improve reliability, reduce the possibility of methane leaks, and enable the installation of excess flow valves on service lines,” which reduce gas flow if a pipe is damaged.

In addition, PSE&G claims that elevated pressure of the new gas mains will provide better support for high-efficiency appliances such as furnaces and water heaters.

“Before construction can start, the utility tests soil and digs test holes to verify the location of existing gas mains,” PSE&G explained. “When this preliminary work is complete, PSE&G will begin installing the new gas mains and upgrading associated service lines that carry the gas to homes and businesses.”

PSE&G added:

“Crews will dig trenches, primarily in road surfaces, and lay new pipes block by block, in order to limit the impacted areas on any given day. There will be short-term road closures and detours during construction. Local police will direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At the end of each workday, the trenches will be filled in, and plates secured, on any open areas so people can safely drive and walk.”

According to PSE&G:

“After the new gas mains are installed, PSE&G will need to access customers’ homes to connect their service lines and meter. PSE&G will contact homeowners to arrange a date and time to do the connections. During the connection work, customers will be without gas service for approximately four hours. PSE&G will relight all appliances and make sure they are safely working before leaving a home. In most cases, PSE&G will be able to install the new pipes without digging in lawns. Lawn areas, shrubs or other vegetation affected by the work will be restored. Grass areas will be raked and seeded.”

As for road repairs, the company stated:

“PSE&G will repair roads with temporary pavement until the ground settles. This takes about 45 to 90 days, depending on the weather and soil conditions. PSE&G then restores the roads with permanent paving in accordance with town ordinance and paving requirements.”

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Photo by PSE&G