CANONSBURG, Pa – In preparation for a major pipeline replacement project in May, Columbia Gas crews will be working along a stretch of Route 51 (Coraopolis Road) west of Herbst Road, conducting inspections on public rights-of-way and customer properties, locating and marking underground facilities, and, if necessary, replacing customer service lines, or moving indoor gas meters outside.
Work is expected to begin on Feb. 19, weather permitting, and take place Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists may experience lane restrictions and traffic delays during working hours, and Saturday work also is possible.
All company and contract employees carry photo ID badges identifying them as Columbia Gas employees or contractors. Customers are encouraged to ask for ID before allowing anyone into their home, or they can call 1-888-460-4332 for Columbia Gas employee verification.
Motorists traveling through the Columbia Gas work zone should exercise caution and be prepared for slowed or temporarily stopped traffic during working hours. Motorists encountering Columbia Gas work crews should follow these simple tips:
- Expect the unexpected – Normal speed limits may be reduced; traffic lanes may change; and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
- Keep your distance – Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you, and don’t tailgate.
- Pay attention to the signs – Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
- Obey road crew flaggers – A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.
Information on Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania’s commitment to safety, including the importance of calling 811 before you dig, home and appliance safety, and steps to take if you smell natural gas can be found at www.ColumbiaGasPA.com/safety.