March 22, 2022 – Ameren Illinois customers in and around Decatur, will see energy at work firsthand throughout the spring and well into the fall as crews replace vintage steel pipeline and natural gas distribution services with pipes made of modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material.
Contractors working on behalf of Ameren Illinois will replace nearly six miles of natural gas pipeline and more than 325 distribution pipes that serve individual customer homes and businesses. The total investment for these projects is $2.7 million and all should be completed by the end of the year, weather pending.
- Morgan and McKinley – For customers living in this neighborhood, crews will begin working this month to upgrade 1,100 feet of pipeline and 19 customers’ services.
- Fairmont Place – Beginning in May, crews will begin work to replace 6,700 feet of pipeline and more than 65 customers’ gas services.
- Court Drive – In July, crews will begin work to upgrade nearly 17,000 feet of pipeline and more than 190 customers’ natural gas services.
- Kile and 25th – Starting in August, crews will start work to upgrade 6,600 feet of pipeline and more than 50 customers’ gas services.
“These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas today while preparing us to meet the future needs of our natural gas customers,” said Andrea Parker, Director of Northern Gas Operations. “Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric company, but we also provide reliable natural gas service to the greater Decatur area. We have more than 20 full-time natural gas employees in the region who maintain the system, respond to gas leaks free of charge, 24/7 install new services, and perform construction projects.
Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving through these local neighborhoods to be mindful of the trucks moving and employees working near the streets and to slow down in the work zone.
“We need everyone’s help when it comes to work zone safety in these neighborhoods and on every route where workers are present,” said Karen Boulanger, Director of Safety for Ameren Illinois. “The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on these local streets and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day.”
For projects in process, a brief interruption of natural gas service is required while switching individual services over to their new services just before the work is completed. Ameren Illinois will relight natural gas appliances for any customer who requests it. If a customer is not home at the time of the service interruption, the customer may call 1-800-755-5000 to schedule a convenient time for the company to relight natural gas appliances, at no charge.
Safe Digging: As required by law, Ameren Illinois will call J.U.L.I.E. (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers will see paint marks and colored flags in neighborhoods and along the road to mark the location of underground utilities.
