Atmos Energy is upgrading its gas utility infrastructure in Starkville, which began on Monday ahead of a project headed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation.
Project Specialist at Atmos Energy Wade Shultice said the project started because the city will be installing new storm drains and sidewalks on Louisville Street.
"Right now my current main is on the west side, so now we have to switch it to the east side so they can put this storm drain and sidewalk down the west side of the road," Shultice said.
The infrastructure upgrade will begin work near Emerson Family School and crews will work their way north to Lynn Lane, with the primary work occurring on the east side of the street.
Shultice said this work is going to affect 32 natural gas customers, and the work will take about three to five weeks to complete. He said there should not be any road closures or delays.
Although there will not be any road closures, Shultice said for drivers to be cautious of workers. Shultice said crews will be working on the side of the road, so there may be some residential driveways that could get blocked form time to time.
Shultice said because this is a state project, Atmos Energy is required to have the gas line at certain depths, and out of the way for MDOT crews.
One example Shultice gave was they have had to relocate gas lines on Highway 12 because they are widening the lane.
"They just require us to be completely out of the way when they start digging," Shultice said. “They want us to be relocated prior to their projects."
Shultice said if there are any questions or concerns to call Atmos Energy. He said more work is ahead for this project, once Atmos Energy completes its portion of the work.
"After we get done, the project is not finished because the MDOT project will be right behind us," Shultice said.