News Releases

MARION, IL (March 10, 2021) – Residents in the communities of Herrin, West Frankfort, Carbondale and Murphysboro will see energy at work first hand as Ameren Illinois crews replace more than 39,000 feet of vintage steel natural gas mains and over 400 customers' service pipelines with new, corrosion resistant polyethylene material.

The projects take place in the following communities:

• Carbondale – The upgrade is along College Street south to Mill Street – between James Street and Illinois Avenue/Route 51, where approximately 8,400 feet of gas main will be replaced along with 109 customers' natural gas services. The project started in February and will be in service by July. The total investment is more than $1 million.

• Murphysboro – Upgrading 49 customers' natural gas services and more than 4,500 feet of gas main along Bridgewood Lane and an additional 53 services and nearly 4,000 feet of gas main along Alexander Street, south to Shomaker Drive – between South 18^th and South 20^th Street. This $1 million project is underway and will be in service by July.
   
• West Frankfort – Crews are removing vintage pipeline along East Oak Street and replacing it with nearly 9,800 feet of polyethylene pipe and upgrading 146 customers' natural gas services. The projected started last month and will be in service by July. The total investment is $1.2 million.
   
• Herrin – Crews will be installing 12,800 feet of polyethylene pipe along McKinley Street, south to Cherry Street – between North 11^th and North 14^th Street and upgrading 155 customers' natural gas services. This $1.4 million project starts in July and will be in service by November.

"These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable delivery of natural gas today while preparing us to meet the future needs of our natural gas customers," said Brad Kloeppel, Gas Director of South Operations, Ameren Illinois.

For projects in process, a brief interruption of natural gas service is required before the work is completed. Ameren Illinois will relight pilot lights on natural gas appliances for any customer who requests it. If a customer is not home at the time of the service interruption, the customer may call 1-800-755-5000 to schedule a convenient time for the company to relight natural gas appliances, at no charge.

These projects are part of Ameren Illinois' plan to replace nearly 250 miles of mechanically coupled steel natural gas distribution pipelines in central and southern Illinois.

Safe Digging:  We Need Your Help
As required by law, Ameren Illinois and its contractors will call JULIE (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers along the new pipeline route will also be notified prior to construction.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

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Media contact:
Brian Bretsch
618-343-8087
bbretsch@ameren.com