O&R Starts $2.6M Gas Pipeline Replacement

Orange and Rockland Utilities has begun work on a $2.6 million project designed to improve its natural gas delivery system.

The 13-month-project is replacing 11,800 feet of 60-year-old, 4-inch steel gas underground distribution pipe with 8-inch, high-tech plastic gas underground distribution pipe. The project runs along Route 17, from the train station in Tuxedo south to Seven Lakes Drive in Sloatsburg.

The project began Aug. 25 and is set to continue through the fall and then resume in the spring. The project is slated for completion Oct.15, 2011 and the pipeline project is being done by JHS Construction Inc. of New Hyde Park for O&R.

O&R says this existing bare-steel pipeline is being replaced because leaks brought on by age and corrosion. The utility says the larger-sized replacement pipe will be able to provide enough natural gas to the area to serve new natural gas customers. About 1,200 customers are served by this line, according to O&R.

Work hours on the project are set for Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. when working in the northbound lane and from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m. when working in the southbound lane of Route 17. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction in the immediate work zone. The hours of construction may change depending on traffic conditions, according to O&R.