Unitil, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, is replacing approximately 3.75 miles of natural gas pipeline in Fitchburg, Mass. and Gardner, Mass. beginning next week. Over the past 16 years, approximately 60 miles of cast iron or bare steel has been replaced system-wide.
As part of its planning process, Unitil coordinates with city officials to make sure work in the street coincides with any similar projects at the municipal level. Many of the streets in the area selected have work planned the following year by the City of Fitchburg.
"By going in first, we can get our replacement work done ahead of the city’s schedule, meaning that once the roads are repaved at the end of all work, disruption will be kept at a minimum going forward. We will work closely with the city, as well as homeowners and businesses abutting South Street and Water Street in Fitchburg to minimize traffic impacts as much as possible."
Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara
Work is expected to continue into the summer in Fitchburg. Later this construction season, replacement work is also planned along Main Street in Gardner. While the replacement work is ongoing, technicians will work directly with customers during the project to relocate approximately 550 meters at homes and businesses in order to improve future accessibility for inspections and other safety-related maintenance.
The company will use an outside contractor that specializes in pipeline replacement and works closely with Unitil crews and engineers. Residents can find additional information on Unitil’s website, www.unitil.com.
