March 4, 2026 -Ameren Illinois has begun a multi‑phase project to upgrade nearly six miles of natural gas pipeline on the east side of Decatur, with work starting this week.
Crews contracted through Miller Pipeline are replacing older steel natural gas lines with new, corrosion‑resistant polyethylene pipe. The first phase covers about 2.4 miles of pipeline and will upgrade service lines for roughly 170 customers. That work stretches from South 32nd Street and East Fulton Avenue to South 36th Street and East Fulton Avenue, extending north to East Oakwood Avenue. Weather permitting, Ameren expects this portion to be complete by early June.
A second phase is scheduled to begin in mid‑April on the northeast side of Decatur. That segment includes about 3.5 miles of pipeline and service upgrades for approximately 270 customers, running from North 27th Street and East Division Street to North 35th Street and East Division Street, and north to East Faries Parkway. Completion is anticipated by late September.
Ameren Illinois said motorists may experience temporary lane closures at times, but no road closures are expected.
“This upgrade reinforces our commitment to the safe, reliable and affordable delivery of natural gas for our customers,” said Colby Sawin, Ameren Illinois’ director of North Region Gas Operations. Sawin noted that while many customers associate the company with electric service, Ameren also operates an extensive natural gas system in Macon County, with full‑time personnel who maintain the system, respond to gas leaks and support construction projects.
Ameren Illinois provides electric service to about 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to more than 800,000 customers across central and southern Illinois.
