PSE&G Replacing 'Old Gas Pipes' In Maplewood (MAPS)

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — PSE&G is embarking on a mission to replace a half mile of “old gas pipes” with new piping as part of a months-long public works project in Maplewood set to kick off in early March.

According to PSE&G, work will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weather permitting. The gas main replacement portion of the work is expected to be complete in early June. The paving and street restoration is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.

These upgrades are part of PSE&G’s three-year program to replace 510 miles of aging gas infrastructure throughout New Jersey, the company stated.

“After decades of being in the ground, old cast iron pipes can crack and unprotected steel may corrode,” said Joe Forline, vice president of gas operations for PSE&G. “The new durable, plastic pipes will improve reliability, reduce the possibility of leaks, and ensure the continued safety of gas service for customers.”

PSE&G said that Maplewood residents will be notified when work begins in their area by mail, door hangers and social media. Customers can find more information, including a list of streets, work time frames and video of how the work is performed at www.pseg.com/gaswork

Before construction can start, the utility tests soil and digs test holes to verify the location of existing gas pipe. When this preliminary work is complete, PSE&G will begin installing the new gas lines.

Here’s how the work will be done, according to PSE&G:

• To upgrade the gas lines, PSE&G digs trenches, primarily in road surfaces, and lays new pipes block by block to minimize disruptions. There will be short-term road closures and detours during construction. Local police direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic. At the end of each workday, the trenches are filled in and protective plates secured on any open areas so people can safely drive and walk. Customers always have access to their driveways.
• When possible, the utility does not dig on properties. If PSE&G does have to dig on a customer’s property, the utility restores any disturbance after the service line is installed. Grass areas are repaired and seeded, and concrete or asphalt openings are patched until final restoration work is scheduled.
• After construction, a PSE&G technician needs to access the customer’s home to connect the service line and gas meter to the new gas main. The utility contacts homeowners to arrange a date and time to do the work. During this reconnection, customers can expect to be without gas service for about 4 hours.
• If a gas meter is inside, PSE&G relocates it to the outside of the customer’s home or business. A technician relights all appliances and makes sure they are working safely before leaving a home.

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Photo/Images: PSE&G