Jan 16, 2013 2 min read

Canton and South Franklin townships will be affected by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania pipeline improvement projects this spring.

The company announced Tuesday its first-quarter projects, totaling nearly $5.1 million in discretionary capital investment and more than 6 miles of natural gas infrastructure upgrades in Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties.

“Investing and modernizing our infrastructure reflects our ongoing commitment to ensure that we continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient natural gas service to our customers,” said Columbia Gas President Mark Kempic. “We plan to invest more than $140 million in 2013 in replacing and upgrading infrastructure across our Pennsylvania service territory.”

Columbia has invested more than $400 million statewide in its natural gas delivery system, replacing more than 2.3 million feet of pipe from 2007 to 2012, he said.

Many of the projects upgrade aging steel and cast iron pipe with a state-of-the-art plastic natural gas delivery system. As an added safety measure, most residential and commercial service line upgrades will feature an excess flow valve, which automatically shuts off the natural gas service in the event of a large pressure differential, indicative of a leak or damage.

The project in Canton Township will involve 9,800 feet of pipe between Jefferson Avenue and White Street. Smiley and Rex roads and Ward Street will also be affected.

The project in South Franklin Township will involve 7,350 feet of pipe on Park Avenue/Route 18. Roads to be affected during the project include Security, Dividend and Annuity drives.

The company is unable at this time to specify when the projects will begin, said Sarah Perry, company spokesperson.

She said more detailed information will be provided to the communities and customers involved closer to the start of the project. Additionally, some projects may require temporary lane closures or possible road detours.