Ameren Illinois to begin natural gas pipeline upgrade in June

Ameren Illinois announced plans to modernize its natural gas transmission pipeline running through central and southern Illinois with work on a major line in Macon County beginning in June.

Crews will arrive in the Decatur, Ill., area that month to install the last one-mile stretch of 10-inch steel pipeline. This is part of a larger, four-mile segment of pipeline replacing vintage steel from the 1930s.

The line runs from Ameren’s delivery station in Elwin, Ill., to Decatur’s south side.

“This upgrade is part of our overall statewide plan to enhance and improve our natural gas system,” Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, said. “With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to prepare for the future needs of our natural gas customers. We’re excited to bring these enhancements to our customers in Macon County.”

Ameren is investing around $7 million into the project, which should be finished by the end of September. It is one of many efforts that have seen the replacement and upgrade of nearly 100 miles of vintage steel pipes within the Ameren Illinois service territory. Additionally, the company is in the process of upgrading approximately 70 regulator stations where gas is received from interstate pipeline companies.