Submitted by Mitch Gross.
BERLIN, Conn. (April 27, 2020) – Operating under its COVID-19 pandemic plan, Eversource continues work on essential projects in order to reliably serve customers across Connecticut. In Durham, the energy company is working to complete the third and final phase of a natural gas delivery system resiliency project which will connect the natural gas systems in Wallingford and Middletown, and further protect and strengthen the system.
“This is important work that will further reduce the likelihood of any service interruptions and enhance the safety of our system by linking more sections of our distribution system together,” said Eversource President of Gas Operations Bill Akley. “Resiliency projects like this one allow natural gas to flow between communities, ensuring that gas is available when customers need it.”
Under the COVID-19 pandemic plan, essential work includes any work that maintains or improves the condition of the energy company’s electric and natural gas systems and supports its foundational mission of safe, reliable energy service. Social distancing, hygiene and enhanced sanitation measures have been integrated to safeguard the health and well-being of workers and customers.
The $7 million investment involves installing 2.6 miles of gas pipeline along Route 68 (Wallingford Road) between Route 157 (Skeet Club Road) and Route 17 (Main Street). The work is scheduled to get underway this week with crews working Sunday through Thursday between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting, and is expected to be finished by the end of October.
Eversource works with community leaders where a project is being done to minimize any impact to traffic and coordinate with other roadwork happening in the area. Drivers may experience delays due to alternating, one-way traffic. The energy company also provides regular project updates to customers in the work area.
Once this final phase of the project is complete, more than 17 miles of gas pipeline will have been installed to connect the natural gas delivery systems in Wallingford and Middletown.
