UGI Utilities, Inc. has commenced a natural gas main replacement project in Macungie that represents both infrastructure improvement and potential energy conversion opportunities for local residents and businesses. The system upgrades, which began in early October, form part of UGI's ongoing commitment to delivering safe and reliable natural gas service to its customer base. This project matters because it addresses aging infrastructure while simultaneously creating pathways for energy transition at a community level.
The construction work will focus on several key streets including South Church Street and Mountain Road between East Main Street and Lorene Drive, the intersection of East Main Street and South Church Street, Locust Street between South Church Street and Pine Street, and Cedar Street between South Church Street and Spring Street. This strategic infrastructure investment not only replaces aging mains but also creates an opportunity for properties along the project route to convert to natural gas service. The implications of this dual-purpose approach are significant, as it allows infrastructure modernization to directly facilitate energy choice for property owners during a single construction phase.
Construction operations are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with completion of the new natural gas main installation expected by the end of December. During this period, drivers, residents, and business owners should anticipate road closures, detours, and parking restrictions as work progresses. The project will also involve temporary interruptions to natural gas service, requiring UGI personnel to access properties for equipment inspection and relighting procedures. These temporary inconveniences are balanced against the long-term benefits of improved system reliability and expanded service options.
Following completion of underground work, temporary restoration will occur immediately, with final paving scheduled for a later date. The timing of this project allows property owners to coordinate conversion efforts with the infrastructure improvements, potentially streamlining the transition process for those considering natural gas adoption. This coordinated approach reduces the need for multiple construction phases and minimizes overall disruption to the community while maximizing the utility's infrastructure investment.
UGI Utilities, Inc. serves more than 760,000 customers across its service territory as a natural gas and electric utility provider. Additional information about the company and its services is available at https://www.ugi.com. The Macungie project represents the latest in UGI's systematic approach to infrastructure modernization while supporting customer energy choices through conversion opportunities during planned system upgrades. This project demonstrates how utility infrastructure projects can serve dual purposes of system maintenance and energy transition facilitation, creating value for both the utility and its customers through strategic planning and coordinated implementation.
