Company is complying with national transmission pipeline regulations
COLLINSVILLE, IL (FEBRUARY 17, 2025) – Ameren Illinois customers in four counties will be the beneficiaries of nearly $140 million in investments the company is making to add resiliency to its natural gas transmission system and comply with federal transmission pipeline regulations.
Ameren Illinois is replacing more than 20 miles of pipeline as part of a multi-year plan to bring all natural gas transmission pipelines in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines.
Madison County – Crews are currently replacing pipeline along a six-mile stretch with new steel pipeline, running from World Wide Technology Raceway into Granite City. The company will install three new regulator stations and two new control valve stations. Weather permitting, this project should be completed in early July.
Madison County 2 – In Collinsville, replacement of 2.9 miles of pipeline from Horseshoe Lake Road along Illinois Route 157 to Stonebridge Bluff Drive will start March 3. Weather permitting, this project should be completed in early September.
Randolph County – In mid-February, crews will upgrade a six-mile stretch of 1960s era pipeline with new steel pipeline, running from Ameren Illinois' Tilden Natural Gas Storage Field to Sparta. Ameren Illinois has coordinated with the City of Sparta to manage traffic flow around the temporary road closure on Legion Drive. Weather permitting, this project should be completed by early July.
Bond County – In early April, work will begin on a project to upgrade nearly seven miles of pipeline with new 12-inch steel gas transmission pipeline, from Greenville to Pocahontas. This is the longest route of the five projects for 2025. Weather permitting, this project should be completed by mid-September.
St. Clair County – Two sections of existing pipeline that runs 1.2 miles between New Athens and Marissa will be upgraded to 16-inch steel gas transmission pipeline starting in mid-April. Weather permitting, this project should be completed by early September.
Ameren Illinois is working with IDOT and county officials to control traffic near the construction areas.
"These projects will ensure the continued safe delivery of affordable natural gas to meet the energy needs of our customers and to meet their expectations for reliable gas service during periods of extreme cold weather," said Brad Kloeppel, Senior Director of Natural Gas Operations, Ameren Illinois. "Many customers think of Ameren Illinois as an electric company, but we also provide natural gas service in these four counties and throughout our service territory. We have full-time natural gas professionals who live and work in the area who maintain the system; respond to gas leaks free of charge on a 24/7 basis, perform other safety checks, and install new services and other construction projects."
Ameren Illinois is asking motorists driving through these local neighborhoods to be mindful of natural gas trucks and workers, and to slow down in the work zone.
"We need everyone's help when it comes to work zone safety in these communities and on every route where workers are present," said Richard Spurgeon, Manager of Safety for Ameren Illinois. "The signs and cones a protected work area. Please slow down as you drive on these local streets and pay attention. Our co-workers and contractors want to return home safely at the end of the day."
Safe Digging
As required by law, Ameren Illinois will call J.U.L.I.E. (8-1-1) prior to starting work so crews can dig safely. Customers will see paint marks and colored flags near the work area and along the road to mark the location of underground utilities.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 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 X @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
Media contact:
Brian Bretsch
618.407.6894
bbretsch@ameren.com
Karly Combest
217.778.3726
Kcombest@ameren.com