Chester, VA – Drivers in Lynchburg are asked to exercise caution when traveling through work zones as Columbia Gas of Virginia upgrades natural gas infrastructure in part of the city. The project, which is now underway and is estimated to wrap up in November, will ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable and efficient natural gas in the area for years to come.
During the project, Columbia Gas will replace underground pipe in the following locations – on Eighth Street, Taylor Street, Monroe Street, Polk Street and Fifth Street. Work will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend work is also possible, and drivers can expect potential lane closures and/or road detours during working hours.
For Columbia Gas customers, this project will include going onto your property to install the service line and moving any indoor gas meters outside. However, this stage of the project will not occur until after the upgraded pipeline has been installed. Once that happens, Columbia Gas will then transfer your service from the old gas pipeline to the new one. During that transfer, your gas service will be temporarily interrupted for several hours to ensure the safety of our crews and customers.
Additionally, when traveling through Columbia Gas work zones, be prepared for slowed or temporarily stopped traffic. If you encounter Columbia Gas work crews, please follow these simple tips:
- Expect the unexpected – Normal speed limits may be reduced; traffic lanes may change; and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
- Keep your distance – Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you, and don’t tailgate.
- Pay attention to the signs – Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
- Obey road crew flaggers – A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.
Information on Columbia Gas of Virginia’s commitment to safety, including the importance of calling 811 before you dig, home and appliance safety and steps to take if you smell natural gas can be found at www.columbiagasva.com/safety.
