Columbia Gas is planning to undertake a series of major infrastructure upgrades in our community, beginning in 2025.

These upgrades include:

• The replacement of old high pressure gas lines with federally mandated, 20-inch diameter steel pipes with safety features. These pipelines service a large geographic area that extends beyond Upper Arlington’s borders.
• Two proposed above ground utility stations, including replacement of an existing station on Brandon Road, and the construction of a new utility station on Ridgeview Road.

The first project is in the vicinity of the Upper Arlington High School and is expected to begin in the Spring/Summer of 2025. Timing and protocol will be refined to ensure safety and minimize traffic/parking disruption.

Columbia Gas has relayed to the City its commitment to proactively engage with residents in the affected areas, through mailed updates and public meetings in advance of work, and regular updates once each project begins.

THE CITY’S ROLE:

• As the provider of a critical energy utility, Columbia Gas has the right to access, upgrade and install the necessary supporting infrastructure in any community within its service area.
• When major utility infrastructure projects are proposed or pending for our community, the City of Upper Arlington’s Public Service team works closely with the provider to minimize impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods, including impacts to traffic and parking, and to make sure the community is kept informed.
• The City also considers how the proposed/pending utility work fits in with any planned City-led infrastructure improvements, such as street reconstruction or new waterlines, and adjusts the timing of any projects to follow the utility work.
• City Code limits the allowable hours of construction to 7:30 am-7 pm weekdays and Saturdays. This restriction may be waived by the City Manager upon request by the utility provider, if:
  • The extended work hours are in the best interest of the impacted neighborhood or community – i.e. it helps expedite the project;
  • The extended hours are necessary to complete a critical phase of work, such as a large concrete pour or other installation work.
• Any proposed projects that have a potential impact on the above-ground built environment – such as service buildings and utility stations – must be reviewed by the City’s Board of Zoning and Planning (BZAP) for compliance with Conditional Use and Neighborhood Compatibility requirements. Conditional Use applications include formal notification of neighbors and provide opportunity for public comment.

WHERE TO FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Columbia Gas project webpage will be available soon, and the link will be provided here.
• A Columbia Gas representative can be contacted via the following options:
  • Name: Leah Lewis, Public Affairs Project Specialist
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 1-800-242-6227
• Review and ruling details and to leave public comment for the proposed projects by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO): //dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=24-0667&link=DI