Workers Dig Trenches For Gas Pipeline As Project Begins In Wilton

WILTON, Conn. -- Workers are already busy digging trenches to place the 8-inch polyethylene pipe that will bring natural gas to many parts of Wilton. Residents better get used to the disruption: The work that began Friday is expected to continue until the end of November.

Workers put in the 8-inch polyethylene pipe in front of the Village Market on Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton. Work began Friday and is expected to be completed by the end of November.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Workers are installing the 8-inch polyethylene natural gas line in Wilton including this section near Wilton High School. Work began Friday and is expected to be completed by the end of November.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

A display shows the main natural gas 8-inch polyethylene line and the connection running from it to the customer. Yankee Gas is expanding into Wilton and hopes to complete its work by the end of November.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Frank MacEachern

08/06/2014 5:00 a.m.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joined Wilton officials and representatives from Yankee Gas on Monday at a press conference announcing the pipeline expansion project.

Work is currently underway on Kristine Lilly Way close to Wilton High School, along Old Ridgefield Road in front of the Village Market and at the intersection of Route 7 and Wolfpit Road.

The northern tip of the project is on Route 7 just south of the intersection with Olmstead Hill Road, and it continues to where Route 7 intersects with Catalpa Road. It then runs along Kristine Lilly Way and farther south until it connects with Wolfpit Road. The Wolfpit Road section runs between the intersection with Horseshoe Road and ends with the intersection of Wolfpit and Route 7.

There is also a spur line that runs up to Middlebrook School.

GPL Construction of Rhode Island is currently putting in the 8-inch polyethylene pipe on Kristine Lilly Way and on Old Ridgefield Road.

Henkels & McCoy of Portland will be installing 8-inch steel pipe near the Metro-North Railroad branch at Wolfpit Road.

"We have timed the start of construction during the traditionally lowest level of village traffic and pedestrian activity," First Selectman Bill Brennan said. "The July to August period takes many citizens and their families out of town for planned holiday vacations. Consequently, it will enable Yankee Gas installation crews to hopefully install pipe quickly during this activity lull."

The plan is to complete construction in the village center down to the condo area on River Road by Aug. 22, Brennan said.

The work is scheduled to be completed near the schools by Aug. 21, before school resumes Aug. 25, he said.

Motorists should be cautious of temporary traffic tie-ups due to the construction work.

"With everyones patience and some alternate route planning, I am confident that we will all survive the four-month construction period for the gas line expansion project," Brennan said.

Police officers and flaggers will be posted at construction sites as needed.

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