Crews will begin work this week on an accelerated program to replace cast iron pipe in Westfield. Funded by a $17M federal grant provided by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation. This important upgrade removes aging gas pipe, reducing methane emissions for a safer, more reliable natural gas system. WG+E plans to replace and abandon nearly 22 miles of aging low-pressure, cast-iron piping and replace 1,200 low-pressure services.
Interested residents are invited to join a groundbreaking ceremony with local and state officials on May 5 at 1030 AM at a location to be announced on Apple Blossom Lane.
“Making these improvements has always been in our plans,” commented Tom Flaherty, WG+E General Manager. “The grant award we received in 2023, allows us to move more quickly to address our local aging natural gas infrastructure while limiting the cost to Westfield ratepayers.”
Work will begin in May on Apple Blossom Lane, Ward Road, and Brentwood Drive and will continue throughout Westfield through 2027. Customers will be notified as work begins in their area.
INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS IN CONSTRUCTION AREAS:
Westfield Gas+ Electric will begin replacing the natural gas main and service lines in selected areas starting in May 2025. You may see Dig Safe markings on the road and/or your lawn in the preceding weeks and we ask you to leave them in place. WG+E will be working with our contractor RH White so you will see their trucks in the area. We are committed to keeping any inconvenience to a minimum, and our crews will restore all areas that are disrupted by the work at the completion of the project.
As they finish the gas main replacement, crews will start replacing individual natural gas services to homes. If you are a natural gas customer, this work includes upgrading the gas meter and piping located on your property. A representative will meet with you by phone or in person to review any work at your address before they begin. This work will take less than one day to complete. If your gas meter is located outside, you do not need to be at home while the work is being performed; we will leave a door tag to let you know the work has been completed with instructions to call us when you arrive home so that we can come right out to turn the gas on and relight any pilot lights.
If you have an inside meter, it will be relocated to the outside of your home during the construction process. Our gas plumber will need to access your basement to complete this work. Our Construction Superintendent with RH White is Craig Condit. He will be in touch with you regarding this move.
Thank you for your patience as construction continues through June, and please note that inclement weather could impact our schedule. Questions? Contact the Utility Supervisor, Marty Kulig, if you have any questions regarding this project at 413-505-9850.
CURRENT CONSTRUCTION AREAS:
- STARTING LATE MAY: Birch Bluffs Drive, Birchwood Lane, Shannon Lane to be completed in LATE AUGUST
- STARTING EARLY MAY: Apple Blossom Lane, Ward Road, Brentwood Drive to be completed in EARLY JULY
FULL PROJECT AREAS 2025-2027:
