In 2019 NIPSCO began construction on an estimated $148 million dollar infrastructure modernization project to replace and upgrade the natural gas distribution system in the City of Kokomo. This year, the company is entering into its final year of construction prior to retiring the original underground natural gas system, with slated system retirement scheduled for 2023. This monumental project in Kokomo will extend an array of benefits to the community and the customers that NIPSCO serves by providing a continued source of safe, reliable natural gas service for the future. Large scale infrastructure modernization projects also provide direct, positive economic benefits to communities by bringing in new business from outside contracted resources to the community as well as the use of local trades to complete the project work.
The scope of work for NIPSCO’s Kokomo natural gas system modernization project is to replace the entire natural gas distribution system in Kokomo that includes a total of approximately 67 miles of new plastic mainline gas pipeline, an estimated 5,800 new customer gas service lines and an estimated 5,600 new customer gas meter upgrades. Most of this work has already been completed in the city and the final install this year includes an estimated 1,000 new customer gas service lines and meters with 16 miles of new plastic mainline gas pipeline. The natural gas system in the City of Kokomo is monitored by 38 existing natural gas regulator stations that are part of the original system design, the company’s plan for this work includes technical advancements to these stations which include the additions of SCADA monitoring points and restrictor plates at selected regulator stations to provide additional layers of protection to the system.
“NIPSCO is dedicated to investing back into the infrastructure system through continuous planned improvements to enhance system safety by engaging in programs such as infrastructure modernization programs, distribution integrity management programs, and damage prevention programs, all of which are designed to ensure customer and community safety,” stated Karen McLean, Public Affairs & Economic Development Manager at NIPSCO. “NIPSCO recognizes that any construction work is very impactful to a community and would like to thank the City of Kokomo for their patience during this important project work. The benefits of a new natural gas system provide long-term reliability and safety of the system as well as less maintenance work in the neighborhoods in the future years, again, we thank the community for helping this project through a successful three years of work.”
The 2022 modernization work is scheduled to begin in April in the North eastern quadrant of Kokomo, located north of Markland Avenue in the neighborhoods between Washington Street and U.S. 31, work is not scheduled to extend north of Morgan Street. NIPSCO and trusted contractor partner NPL, is performing this system modernization work and all employees will be driving marked vehicles and carry a photo ID to protect the safety of residents.
As a result of this work, lane and road closures are expected and NIPSCO would like to remind travelers to drive with caution around any construction zone. Due to inclement weather, please stay alert when driving, follow the directions on posted traffic signs as well as on-site crew members, slow down near marked constructions, and do not drive through or park in marked construction zone areas. Following these simple rules can help you and the on-site crew members return home safely each day.
NIPSCO thanks the community for their patience as this important natural modernization work is underway and will continue to work with local officials from the City of Kokomo to minimize direct impact to residents and customers.
