On Monday, July 23, crews from Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) will begin a project to replace nearly 2,000 feet of cast-iron natural gas piping with safer, modern piping. This work will take place along West Thames Street, from Dunham Street to Bushnell Place and should be complete by October.

As part of this project, NPU will renew natural gas service lines to 24 residential customers.

“Investing in our infrastructure will make our natural gas system safer and more reliable for years to come,” said John Bilda, General Manager of NPU. “While we are committed to minimizing the inconvenience to the public as this important work moves forward, the safety of our employees and community will always be the first priority.”

Much of the cast-iron piping in this section of Norwich was installed in the 1920s. The important work this summer will replace older pipe with state-of-the-art polyethylene piping, which is more reliable, flexible and has a lifespan of more than 50 years.

NPU crews will be working between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm between Monday and Friday each week. NPU will have flaggers will be in place to assist with the safe flow of traffic through the area.

In addition, NPU is reaching out to local businesses along the construction route to minimize any impact on their operations.