As part of our ongoing system improvements, we are replacing aging natural gas lines with new piping that is more resistant
to corrosion and earth movement. We replace pipe in the street, sidewalk and, in most instances, to homes and other buildings.
Replacement also may require relocation of some natural gas meters. Depending on weather and other factors, the project can
take up to eight weeks.
We know pipeline replacement is disruptive to your property and neighborhood, but it contributes to safe and reliable service.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation and want you to be satisfied with our work. We make every effort to minimize your
inconvenience and communicate with you throughout the project.
Communication
Before work begins, one of our representatives contacts you to discuss the project, review any meter relocations and answer
questions. We also discuss restoration efforts to ensure satisfaction. We communicate with you two to three weeks ahead of
construction.
Construction
Work area preparation. Clearing and grading is done, if necessary, to facilitate pipe replacement and construction
equipment transport. Work is done with minimal environmental disturbance.
Precautions. Prior to construction, we identify and avoid disturbing any existing underground utility lines. Material
excavated during trenching is temporarily stockpiled next to the excavation. Erosion control practices minimize erosion during
construction.
When work begins. Work can begin as early as 7 a.m. Earlier start times help cut time and cost from the overall project.
Our activities also creates loud noise from time to time. While we understand noise can be an inconvenience, we work with several
pieces of heavy equipment that make the job safer and more efficient.
Road and driveway crossings. We either bore beneath roadways or open-cut, where possible. To minimize traffic
disruption, we coordinate work with local officials prior to construction. We communicate timing of construction activities to
landowners. Roads, sidewalks and driveways disturbed during construction are restored, and disturbed ground areas are revegetated
and returned to preconstruction conditions.
Pipe installation. We install pipe along the road right of way via directional boring. During this process, surface
disruption is minimized. A machine drills beneath the ground surface and pulls in the new pipe. Final restoration is compatible with
preconstruction condition and adjacent vegetation patterns.
Service lines. Once the pipeline is in place, work begins on service lines that run from the street to homes. This
work requires us to temporarily shut off natural gas service. We contact you to schedule this work and leave a door hanger as a
reminder the day before. If you have an existing gas meter inside your residence, we work with you to determine placement of the
new outside meter. The work inside your residence requires that an adult resident be present to give our personnel access to the
meter location and to relight pilot lights on any gas appliances once service is restored. This free service ensures safety and
appliance performance.
Old mains and services. After new main and services are installed, and meters moved outside, crews come back to excavate additional
holes near the house and in the terrace to sever old service lines. Any surface disruption is restored to preconstruction condition.
Restoration. Once work is completed, excavated areas are backfilled and mounded or compacted. A week or two later (depending
on weather), we complete final restoration with black dirt and seed at no cost to you. Learn more about our
restoration practices.
Project
Wells-Wisconsin natural gas main replacement project
