Gas line replacement underway in Youngwood

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania has started replacing gas lines in Youngwood in a project that is expected to last until April.

Spokesman Lee Gierczynski said the project completion date will be dependent upon the weather. The work replacing more than 9,800 feet of underground pipeline got underway this week, he said.

The work adds to construction that has been ongoing in the borough for months in preparation for a reconstruction of Route 119. PennDOT is preparing for a $24 million project on the borough’s main thoroughfare.

Work installing new water and sewer lines started last year, and all utility work should be done by the spring, said Jay Ofsanik, a PennDOT spokesman. Road construction will begin on the northbound side then.

Work on the southbound lanes will get underway in 2022, Ofsanik said.

The following streets will be targeted in Columbia Gas’ replacement project: Chestnut, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Depot, Walnut and Oak streets, Lincoln and Roosevelt avenues, Overhead Bridge Road and three alleys.

A contractor will perform work during the week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and potentially on Saturdays. There will be lane restrictions and temporary interruption of natural gas service when pipes are switched.

Columbia Gas will contact customers before service is shut off to schedule restoration. Anyone with an indoor meter will have it relocated outside. Company and contracted employees carry photo ID badges identifying them as such.

About 24,000 vehicles on average travel Route 119 in Youngwood each day, according to PennDOT. The project includes updated sidewalks and slight curves in the side of the road that will force motorists to weave back and forth and, hopefully, slow down.

Route 119 splits into two one-way roads as it passes through Youngwood — Third and Fourth streets. The speed limit is 35 mph northbound and 25 mph southbound.