PITTSBURGH — Peoples Natural Gas will begin an infrastructure modernization project Monday in parts of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville and the Strip District neighborhoods.
The project will replace pipelines dating back to the 19th century with new lines on Mulberry Way and Smallman Street.
The work involves installing 5,600 feet of new mainline as part of the company’s Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan. This ongoing initiative aims to upgrade more than 4,000 miles of pipelines to improve safety and service reliability while lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The project focuses on retiring a pipeline on Mulberry Way that was installed in 1887. The existing line, which stretches from 32nd Street to 38th Street, will be replaced by two distinct sections of modern materials.
Crews will install approximately 1,800 feet of small-diameter plastic mainline on Mulberry Way between 31st and 38th streets.
Another 3,850 feet of large-diameter steel mainline will be placed on Smallman Street from 32nd to 38th streets, along with additional stretches on 38th, Charlotte, 36th and 32nd streets.
“Installing new, modern infrastructure to serve businesses and residents is important for the long-term prosperity of our region,” said Paul Becker, vice president of construction and engineering for Peoples Natural Gas. “We strive to minimize construction impacts while ensuring the safety and reliability of natural gas service now and for many years to come.”
Construction is divided into segments to limit traffic restrictions. Work will initially begin on 32nd Street between Mulberry Way and Smallman Street, as well as on Mulberry Way between 32nd and 33rd streets.
Traffic control measures will be active whenever crews are on-site. Scheduled work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional shifts on Saturdays as permitted by city permits.
The pipeline installation is scheduled to continue through spring 2027. Following the completion of construction, Peoples will schedule the restoration portion of the project to repair affected streets, sidewalks and landscapes to their prior condition.
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