THE FOLLOWING IS AN AMEREN RELEASE
$2.4 million project will be completed by late November
TILTON – Ameren Illinois customers in Tilton will see energy at work firsthand throughout the summer and fall as crews replace vintage steel pipeline and natural gas services with modern, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material.
Crews working on behalf of Ameren Illinois will upgrade approximately four miles of natural gas pipeline and approximately 250 individual customers’ natural gas services from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The upgrades will occur on the north and west side of Tilton between Interstate-74, Norfork & Southern Railroad tracks and Songer Cemetary Road. Crews will also install one new railroad crossing and retire one natural gas regulator station. Total project investment is approximately $2.4 million. All work should be completed by the end of November, weather pending.
“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 Colby Sawin, Director of Eastern Gas Operations. “Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric company, but we also provide very reliable natural gas service to Vermilion County. We have more than 12 full-time natural gas employees in Vermilion County 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.”
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.
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 816,000 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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