UGI Utilities, Inc. is scheduled to start a natural gas main replacement project in Hazleton on Monday, October 6, as part of its ongoing commitment to providing safe and reliable service. The system upgrades will involve underground work on several streets, including North James Street between West 17th and West 11th streets, West 15th Street between Hanover Court and North Penn Court, West 14th Street between North James Street and North Penn Court, West 13th Street between Hanover Court and North James Street, and West 12th Street between Hanover Court and North James Street.
Construction will take place Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During this period, drivers, residents, and business owners may experience road closures, detours, and parking restrictions. There will also be interruptions to natural gas service, requiring UGI to access properties to inspect and relight equipment. The installation of the new natural gas main is expected to be completed by the end of December. Temporary restoration of the affected areas will occur immediately after underground work is finished, with final paving scheduled for a later date.
The project presents an opportunity for homes and businesses along the route to convert to natural gas. UGI encourages anyone interested in conversion to contact the company at 800-276-2722 or gasconversion@ugi.com. UGI Utilities, Inc. serves more than 760,000 customers and provides additional information at www.ugi.com.
These upgrades are critical for maintaining the integrity of the natural gas infrastructure in Hazleton, reducing the risk of leaks and service disruptions. By replacing aging mains, UGI aims to enhance system reliability and safety for the community. The work also supports environmental goals by enabling more properties to switch to natural gas, which is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to oil or coal. For businesses and residents, the conversion could lead to lower energy costs and improved energy efficiency. While the construction may cause temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits of a modernized gas system are expected to outweigh the short-term disruptions.
