As students across the region kick off the new school year, Columbia Gas of Kentucky is reminding parents to be aware of utility construction zones that may impact vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic safety.
Several natural gas pipeline upgrade projects are underway as Columbia Gas works to make updates to improve the safety and reliability of its 30-county system. Columbia Gas works to exceed safety standards at its worksites, but parents and students who walk, drive or bike to school should be advised to use caution in work zones.
Columbia Gas offers the following construction zone safety tips:
Expect the unexpected. Always build in time for unexpected construction delays on your morning and afternoon commute. Normal speed limits may be reduced, there may be detours and people may be working on or near the road. Stay alert and minimize distractions.
Don’t assume children know what to do. Practice walking or driving the route with children and teen drivers and discuss how to avoid or navigate safely in construction zones. Children should never play on or around construction equipment.
Pay attention to the signs. Always follow the direction of flaggers and construction signage regarding detours, slowed traffic, parking restrictions and road and sidewalk closings.
Slow down. Reduce your speed in construction zones, especially in inclement weather. Keep a safe traveling distance. Never attempt to pass stopped or slowed traffic as it may indicate an obstacle ahead.
Check for updates and alerts. Residents can follow Columbia Gas on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Nextdoor for alerts about emergency pipeline work and visit the Lexington traffic and construction tracker site for a real-time ticker and a listing of permitted projects.
For details about pipeline replacement projects in your neighborhood, customers can visit ColumbiaGasKY.com/pipeline or call the Columbia Gas pipeline replacement hotline at 1-800-562-8970.
