DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Ameren will upgrade nearly six miles of natural gas pipeline throughout Decatur this year.
The utility company started improvements this week, replacing natural gas steel pipeline with new, corrosion-resistant polyethylene material on the southeast side of Decatur.
The project will replace almost 2.4 miles of pipeline and upgrade the service pipelines for around 170 customers.
The route extends from the intersection of South 32nd Street and East Fulton Avenue to the intersection of South 36th Street and East Fulton Avenue, and includes the neighborhood north to East Oakwood Avenue.
The first project is expected to be complete by early June, according to Ameren.
In mid-April, crews will start a second project on the northeast side of town to upgrade nearly 3.5 miles of pipeline and upgrade service pipelines for about 270 customers.
The route for the project extends from the intersection of North 27th Street and East Division Street to the intersection of East Division Street and North 35th Street, and includes the neighborhood north to east Faries Parkway.
Ameren said the second project is expected to be finished by late September.
According to Ameren engineers, there may be temporary lane closures at times, but the improvements should not cause any full road closures.
"This upgrade reinforces our commitment to the safe, reliable and affordable delivery of natural gas for our customers," said Ameren Illinois Director of North Region Gas Operations Colby Sawin.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
