UGI Utilities, Inc. commenced a natural gas main replacement project in Easton this week, marking another phase in the company's ongoing infrastructure improvement program. The system upgrades represent UGI's commitment to maintaining safe and reliable natural gas service for its customer base while simultaneously creating opportunities for additional properties to connect to the natural gas network. This initiative matters because it addresses aging infrastructure that could otherwise lead to service disruptions or safety concerns, while also expanding access to cleaner energy options for residents and businesses.
The construction work will focus on several key streets in the Easton area, including West Wilkes Barre Street between Packer Street and Iron Street, Packer Street between Glendon Avenue and Hoyt Street, and McKeen Street between West Wilkes Barre Street and Hoyt Street. These underground improvements are scheduled to occur Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:00pm, with completion of the new natural gas main installation anticipated by the end of December, though weather and working conditions may affect this timeline. The importance of this timeline lies in its coordination with seasonal factors and the company's ability to complete critical infrastructure work before winter weather intensifies.
Residents and business owners in the affected areas should prepare for significant disruptions, including road closures, detours, and parking restrictions throughout the project duration. The work will also necessitate temporary interruptions to natural gas service, requiring UGI technicians to access properties for equipment inspection and relighting procedures. Final paving and restoration activities will follow the main installation work. These disruptions highlight the balance utilities must strike between necessary infrastructure improvements and minimizing community impact during construction phases.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, this project presents a valuable opportunity for properties along the construction route to convert to natural gas service. The timing allows for efficient connection to the upgraded system, potentially offering economic and environmental benefits to new customers. Additional information about UGI Utilities, Inc. and its services is available at https://www.ugi.com. This expansion opportunity is significant because it enables more properties to access natural gas, which typically offers cost savings compared to other heating fuels and produces fewer emissions than oil or coal alternatives.
The Easton project reflects UGI's broader strategy to modernize aging infrastructure across its service territory, which encompasses more than 760,000 customers. Such systematic upgrades help prevent service disruptions, enhance safety standards, and support community development by expanding access to reliable energy sources. The company's proactive approach to infrastructure investment demonstrates the utility sector's ongoing efforts to balance operational improvements with minimal community impact during construction phases. This matters because infrastructure modernization represents a critical investment in community resilience, energy reliability, and environmental progress across the region.
