HAYESVILLE – Columbia Gas is set to begin a project in Hayesville to replace aging gas lines with newer, state-of-the-art plastic pipe.

Phase I encompasses the area west of Mechanic while Phase 2 is east of Mechanic. In total, crews plan to install roughly 6,300 feet of new pipe serving approximately 60 properties on Phase I, and roughly 5,200 feet of new pipe serving approximately 60 properties on Phase 2.

Preconstruction camera work is already underway, and residents should expect excavation on Phase I to begin within the next week. Phase II will then get started as Phase I nears completion.

Columbia Gas and its contractor, Mid-Ohio Pipeline, will begin by installing the new main line and then proceed to service lines for individual properties. Inside gas meters will be relocated outside as well.

The new plastic pipe has several benefits, including enhanced safety features and the ability to bend to the earth’s contour while expanding and contracting with shifting temperatures. Once installed, the modernized system will last longer and reduce the amount of future maintenance required for upkeep.

The project requires only a short interruption to natural gas service. Columbia Gas crews or contractors will contact affected customers to schedule the brief shut off and relight appointments. All employees and contractors carry identification cards with their names and photograph and must show them upon request.

In light of COVID- 19, crews are also following strict recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep everyone safe.

There is no additional cost to customers and Columbia Gas will restore all impacted property.

For more information, visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Replacement. For a short video explaining the process, visit https://vimeo.com/481327238