The project will start this week.


A view of State Street in Newtown Borough.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com

A $1.7 million natural gas infrastructure upgrade project by PECO is set to begin Monday in Newtown Borough and a small portion of Newtown Township.

The project, which looks to improve safety, improve service reliability, and meet growing natural gas demand, will focus on replacing existing natural gas main and service lines with new pipe along State Street.

PennDOT announced travel restrictions will be in place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, July 21, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 31:

Centre Avenue will be closed between Sycamore Street and State Street. Motorists will be directed to use Newtown Bypass and Sycamore Street as a detour.

State Street will be closed between Centre Avenue and Fountain Farm Road. The detour for motorists will also utilize Newtown Bypass and Sycamore Street.

Credit: PECO

While the project will require block-by-block detours and lane closures on State Street during construction hours to minimize disruption and allow access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project, according to PECO.

Emergency access, mail and package delivery, trash removal, and school bus transportation will also be unaffected, PECO officials said.

Credit: State of PA

In recent weeks, Newtown Borough residents and business owners have raised concerns over the project and its impacts, especially to small shops and eateries.

PECO officials stated the investment is needed for providing natural gas connections and allow more homes and businesses to convert to natural gas service, and prevent potential reliability issues during cold weather for existing customers.

The new plastic piping is also expected to reduce methane emissions, PECO officials said.

The majority of the construction will occur on State Street in Newtown Borough, extending from Penn Street to the borough boundary, with a small section of work reaching into Newtown Township.

PECO has started a website for residents and business owners to keep up-to-date on the project at peco.com/newtowngasproject.

General Asphalt Paving Company, of Philadelphia, is PECO’s contractor who will perform the work, which is expected to be fully completed in November.

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