Gas mains to be replaced

Black Hills Energy, the natural gas provider to Saratoga residents, will be undertaking a main replacement project in the near future. In a press release from the natural gas provider, it was announced the company had contracted with NPL for the project.

The replacement of natural gas mains will encompass the alleyways between Saratoga and Main avenues from North River Street to North 5th Street. The purpose of the project, according to the press release, is to replace aging steel pipelines with new polyethylene pipe which will prive “safe and reliable natural gas service to residents for years to come.”

According to the press release, the majority of the new pipe will be installed utilizing directional drilling technology. The use of this technology is to minimize disruption to residents along the segment and to maintain the condition of the surface areas “as much as possible”. Black Hills Energy will also be increasing the diameter of the gas mains to “enhance available volumes that will allow for continued growth throughout the area” the press release continued.

In addition to replacing the natural gas mains, Black Hills Energy will also be relocating 46 existing gas meters which are currently installed along the project route. These meters, which are currently located in the alley, will be moved to the corresponding structure. Brief outages are expected as Black Hills Energy as the switch is made from the old service to the new service.

Black Hills Energy will be providing scheduling information to affected customers and coordinating with them to minimize inconveniences related to that phase of the project. Construction crews will work on restoring the travel surfaces in the alleyways as the project progresses. Drivers are asked to exercise caution and reduce vehicle speed in the construction areas. The project duration is expected to last between eight and 12 weeks, depending upon weather conditions during the project.