Ameren Illinois will upgrade a series of natural gas pipelines in North Peoria ahead of a major hydrostatic pressure test this summer.
The company said in a statement that it began work this week along a seven-mile stretch of an existing natural gas pipeline between the intersection of North University Street and West Willow Knolls Drive and East Boy Scout Road in Mossville.
Among the upgrades is the installation of a new gas control station at the Ameren operations center along the university, along with other improvements to the regulators. Appropriate replacements are underway at University and Pioneer Parkway.
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At Mount Hawley Airport, Ameren also plans to reroute the line and install new valves. Replacements for existing valves at the intersection of Illinois 40 and West Ravinwoods Road are also planned.
The company hopes to complete the upgrades by mid-May before inspecting the seven-mile section of the natural gas pipeline. This all leads to the hydrostatic pressure test, currently scheduled for August, which will examine how structurally strong the new and improved lines are.
Ameren is working with the City of Peoria and the Illinois Department of Transportation to control traffic in the affected areas. At an Ameren-owned location at the intersection of University and Willow Knolls, where work was still underway this week, traffic in the northbound lane along University was limited to one lane in some areas.
Andrea Parker, Ameren’s director of gas operations, said the project will help continue the company’s commitment to providing safe, reliable natural gas to customers in Peoria.
“These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable supply of natural gas today and prepare us to meet the future needs of our natural gas customers,” Parker said. “Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric utility, but we also provide safe, reliable natural gas service to Peoria. We have full-time natural gas professionals who live and work in the Peoria area and who maintain the system; respond to gas leaks. Free new services 24/7 installation and construction projects.”
For motorists experiencing construction in the coming month, Ameren Safety Director Karen Boulanger said people should pay attention to signs and slow down to ensure safe passage through the areas.
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“We need everyone’s help when it comes to keeping work zones safe in these neighborhoods and on every route where workers are present,” Boulanger said. “The signs and cones create their protected work area. When driving on these local streets, please slow down and pay close attention. Our colleagues want to go home safely at the end of the day.”
This article originally appeared in Journal Star: Work is underway on a busy intersection in Peoria
