UGI Utilities, Inc. will begin a natural gas main replacement project in Hazleton on Monday, October 6, as part of its commitment to maintaining safe and reliable service infrastructure. This project represents a significant infrastructure investment in the Hazleton community and provides an opportunity for properties along the construction route to convert to natural gas service. The underground work will focus on several key streets including North James Street between West 17th Street and West 11th Street, West 15th Street between Hanover Court and North Penn Court, West 14th Street between North James Street and North Penn Court, West 13th Street between Hanover Court and North James Street, and West 12th Street between Hanover Court and North James Street.
Construction activities are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm, with completion of the new natural gas main installation expected by the end of December. Local residents and businesses should anticipate temporary disruptions including road closures, detours, and parking restrictions during the construction period. The project will also require some interruptions to natural gas service, necessitating UGI personnel to access properties for equipment inspection and relighting procedures. These infrastructure improvements are critical for maintaining the long-term reliability and safety of the natural gas distribution system that serves the community.
Following completion of the underground work, temporary restoration of affected areas will occur immediately, with final paving scheduled for a later date. The project aligns with UGI's broader mission to enhance service quality across its customer base. Additional information about UGI Utilities, Inc. and its services is available at https://www.ugi.com. The timing of this infrastructure project allows property owners along the construction route to consider converting to natural gas service, potentially benefiting from the energy efficiency and cost advantages associated with natural gas.
UGI Utilities serves more than 760,000 customers throughout its service territory, making these system upgrades part of a larger strategic initiative to modernize aging infrastructure and improve service delivery standards across the region. This project demonstrates the ongoing investment required to maintain critical energy infrastructure that communities depend on for heating, cooking, and other essential services. The replacement of aging gas mains helps prevent potential safety hazards while ensuring consistent service delivery to residential and commercial customers alike.
The infrastructure work in Hazleton reflects broader trends in utility infrastructure management, where companies must balance maintenance needs with minimal community disruption. By completing the project before winter's peak heating season, UGI aims to enhance system reliability when demand is highest. Property owners considering conversion to natural gas during this project can potentially reduce energy costs while contributing to the overall efficiency of the local distribution network. Such infrastructure investments represent forward-looking approaches to energy delivery that prioritize both safety and customer value.
