Liberty has undertaken a $4.5 million project to replace more than eight miles of bare steel natural gas pipeline in Metropolis, Illinois. The steel piping in Metropolis – some of which dates back nearly a century – is being replaced with polyethylene counterparts.

“Bare steel is known for corrosion, which can cause leaks,” said Ron Snider, Liberty’s Director of Operations-Regional. “One of the benefits of removing it is that it can remove potential leaks from the system.”

The polyethylene piping is also lighter and more durable than steel piping, and able to withstand high pressures and temperatures. 

Initial work is underway to give crews a better picture of where existing lines are located.

“We’ve brought in a camera truck so make sure we know where the sewer lines are so we don’t bore through them,” said Ron Snider, Director, Operations-Regional. “We’ll bring the camera truck back through after the project is completed to double check.”  

Boring (using a surface drill to install piping along an underground path) is set to begin in early August. Precision Pipeline will be utilized as a contractor as work gets underway. Traffic impact is expected to be minimal. 

With service lines being replaced, some Liberty customers may experience minor service interruptions.

“We’ll need to get into customers’ homes toward the end of the project, as we’ll be installing new service lines into the homes,” said Snider. “We’ll need to relight their pilot light for their appliances.” 

If a customer is not at home when a Liberty representative arrives, a door tag will be left so that a more convenient time to return can be scheduled.

*As the bare steel replacement project gets underway, please watch this space for further updates.*