NORWICH – Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) and private contractor crews have restarted the multi-year, $20.9 million project to replace aging and leak-prone cast iron natural gas mains with more than 9 miles of new, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) gas mains throughout the city.
In 2023, NPU was awarded $10 million from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to begin the work of replacing natural gas mains throughout Norwich; in April of 2024, NPU was awarded an additional $10.9 million. The two grants will allow NPU to complete 25 years of capital improvements to replace older gas lines in as few as five years.
“We have been very pleased with the initial progress being made with this critical work and we anticipate even more safe and productive work through the fall,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “These improvements will make our natural gas system safer while reducing leaks that can impact air quality in our community. These investments will pay benefits for years to come in Norwich.”
Older natural gas pipes are more likely to cause safety issues if they break; they are also more prone to leak methane into the air.
The first phase of this work to replace the lines began October 2024, with pipeline replacement work along Asylum Street, from Grant Court to West Main Street. NPU is currently tying in approximately two dozen service lines in this area; when the work is complete, the road will be resurfaced.
Work for 2025 recently began on Franklin Street and McKinley Avenue. Main installation will continue on these streets until early April, at which time NPU be working along North Main Street, from Burnham Square to Boswell Avenue, and then from Boswell Avenue along North Main Street to St. Regis Avenue, as well as along 4th Street, from North Main Street to Central Avenue.
When this work is completed, NPU and contractor crews will be working in the area adjacent to the Norwich Free Academy – Rockwell Street, Crescent Street – but not until school is dismissed for the summer to minimize the impact on local traffic
This important project includes installing new gas mains and services, followed by road pavement and restoration.
NPU is committed to regular updates on the status, progress, and schedules for this work through its website, social media channels, and customer newsletters.