ALTON – Ameren Illinois customers in and around Alton and Godfrey will see energy at work throughout the spring and well into the fall as crews replace steel pipeline and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material.
Ameren Illinois awarded the work in both communities to a diverse contractor, Jayne Excavating and Welding, a woman-owned business. Jayne crews will upgrade more than 4.5 miles of natural gas pipeline from the 1960s and approximately 315 individual customers' natural gas services in Alton. In Godfrey, crews will upgrade 3.5 miles of pipeline and natural gas services for nearly 160 individual customers. All work should be completed by early November, weather pending.
- Alton – Construction is underway on Danforth and Oakwood Avenue.
- Spring Street, work is underway.
- McPherson Avenue, work begins in early April.
- Myrtle Street, project to start end of May.
- Manor Court, project to begin mid-August
- Milton Road, work begins in September
- Godfrey – Crews will begin work in late April. Work starts on Mulberry Street.
- Taylor Avenue, work is scheduled to start in May
- Mitchell Lane, crews start work in mid-July
- Boy Scout Lane, project begins in mid-August
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For projects in process, a brief interruption of natural gas service is required while switching individual services over to their new services just before the work is completed. Ameren Illinois will relight natural gas appliances for any customer who requests it. If a customer is not home at the time of the service interruption, the customer may call 1-800-755-5000 to schedule a convenient time for the company to relight natural gas appliances, at no charge.
"These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas today while preparing us to meet the future needs of our natural gas customers," said Langston Rose, Regional Director of Gas Operations. "Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric company, but we also provide very reliable natural gas service to Alton and Godfrey. We have nine full-time natural gas professionals in Alton who maintain the system; respond to gas leaks free of charge, 24/7; install new services; and perform construction projects."
Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving through these local neighborhoods to be mindful of the trucks moving and employees working near the streets and to slow down in the work zone.
"We need everyone's help when it comes to work zone safety in these neighborhoods and on every route where workers are present," said Karen Boulanger, Director of Safety for Ameren Illinois. "The signs and cones create their protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on these local streets and pay attention. Our co-workers want to return home safely at the end of the day."
Safe Digging
As required by law, Ameren Illinois will call J.U.L.I.E. (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers will see paint marks and colored flags in neighborhoods and along the road to mark the location of underground utilities.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
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