OLD BRIDGE – Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) will be working in Old Bridge to replace approximately eight miles of older gas pipes with new, durable plastic and/or coated steel piping – ensuring a continued safe, clean and reliable gas system well into the future.
“These upgrades are part of PSE&G’s three-year program to replace up to 510 miles of aging gas infrastructure throughout New Jersey,” said Joe Forline, vice president of gas operations for PSE&G. “We are working closely with municipal officials and the department of public works to coordinate construction schedules and are committed to keeping customers in Old Bridge informed about where and when the work will take place.”
The new pipes will improve reliability, reduce the possibility of methane leaks and enable the installation of excess flow valves on service lines. These valves dramatically reduce gas flow if a pipe is damaged. The elevated pressure of the new gas mains will also provide better support for high-efficiency appliances like furnaces and water heaters.
“The investment PSE&G is making to upgrade the gas system in Old Bridge will ensure safe, reliable service for our residents and help maintain the vitality of our businesses,” said Mayor Owen Henry. “PSE&G is coordinating with the police who will be directing traffic around work areas. We appreciate the patience of our residents while PSE&G performs this important work in our town.”
Beginning in April, work will take place 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, conditions permitting.
Before construction can start, the utility tests soil and digs test holes to verify the location of existing gas mains, according to a statement prepared by PSE&G. When this preliminary work is complete, PSE&G will begin installing the new gas mains and upgrading associated service lines that carry the gas to homes and businesses.
PSE&G crews will dig trenches, primarily in road surfaces and lay new pipes block by block. There will be short-term road closures and detours during construction. At the end of each workday, the trenches will be filled in and plates secured on any open areas so people can safely drive and walk, according to the statement.
After the new gas mains are installed, PSE&G will need to access customers’ homes to connect their service lines and meter. PSE&G will contact homeowners to arrange a date and time to do the connections, according to the company. During the connection work, customers will be without gas service for approximately four hours. PSE&G will relight all appliances and make sure they are safely working before leaving a home.
Lawn areas, shrubs or other vegetation affected by our work will be restored. Grass areas will be raked and seeded.
Residents will be notified by mail, email and door hangers. Customers can find a list of streets at www.pseg.com/gaswork.
The gas main replacement portion of the work is expected to be complete in October. The paving and street restoration is expected to be completed in November.