Conshy: Repairs, Repaving Begin on Fayette, Cross Streets

If all goes according to plan, residents of Conshohocken will be enjoying freshly paved streets, including Fayette Street, along with improved gas utility lines by fall.

As , both PECO and PennDOT had announced plans to work on the roadways in 2012 and 2013. However, Borough officials had been concerned that the PECO plan to upgrade utility lines under Fayette Street, along with a number of cross streets, would not occur until after a loosely-scheduled PennDOT repaving plan, causing the road to be repaved twice.

According to a press release, PECO has accelerated its $1.3 million upgrade plan, originally scheduled for 2013, to ensure that doesn't happen.

“This is a great example of how PECO and PennDOT work together to help minimize the impact of these projects on the local community,” said Peter Ancona, director of Gas Operations for PECO.  “Each year, we review system performance and identify areas for improvement to meet the needs of our customers. This work ensures we live up to our commitment to provide safe, reliable gas service to our customers.”

According to the release, the PECO project includes replacement of existing cast iron and bare steel natural gas main and the installation of 3,385 feet of new 4-inch plastic natural gas main, which is more durable and easier to maintain.

The release states that PECO has received approval from Conshohocken Borough officials to perform around-the-clock work on Fayette Street, and will be working 16-hour shifts, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., on several side streets.

The work on Fayette Street will occur between 3^rd and 11^th Streets.  Work also will occur on 3^rd, 6^th and 7^th Streets, the release said, adding that PECO and its contractors will make "every attempt" to minimize the impact of this work on local traffic.

Although the release does not detail how PECO will be working in conjunction with PennDOT, or whether or not repaving will occur simaultaneously or begin once PECO has completed the entirety of their project, Borough staff the repaving project should be completed by October.

The PennDOT project includes plans to add handicap ramps at intersections along Fayette Street, staff said.