3 Month Gas Main Installation Project Begins This Week In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Over the next three months, PECO will be installing new gas mains in the southern end of Newtown Borough and in neighboring Newtown Township resulting in the closure and detour of Centre Avenue and portions of South State Street.

During the $1.7 million construction project, which will take place during the day beginning on Monday, July 21 and continuing through Oct. 31, motorists will encounter road closures and detours on both streets.

• On Centre Avenue, travel restrictions will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The road will be closed weekdays from Sycamore Street to State Street. During the closure, motorists will be directed to use Route 332 (Newtown Bypass) and Sycamore Street.

• On South State Street, travel restrictions will also be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Centre Avenue to Fountain Farm Road. During the closure, motorists will be directed to use Route 332 (Newtown Bypass) and Sycamore Street.

According to PECO, construction workers will be digging up one segment of the street at a time, beginning at Centre Avenue and working their way south on State Street. Once one section is complete, the construction crews will move to the next segment.

Local access will be maintained, according to PennDOT. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling near the work areas because backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather-dependent.

'The project is critical to meeting the growing need and demand for safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas for our customers in Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, and across Bucks County," said the public utility.

"This investment will allow homes, businesses, and communities to convert to natural gas service," PECO said. "This project will also provide more natural gas in the area where it would otherwise be constrained, potentially causing reliability issues during the coldest days of the year for existing customers."

Newtown Borough Councilman Kris Bauman said, "This is an opportune time" for businesses and residents living and located in the vicinity of the work area to make connections to gas services.

"Since they have the street open, it can be done more expeditiously and efficiently," said Bauman. "Once they are done with the work and the final paving is done, PennDOT will not allow a permit to reopen the street to connect to the gas service for five years.

"For our residents in that area, they should be aware that now is the right time to get in touch with PECO if they're interested in the gas service," said Bauman.

PECO Energy will complete the project under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.