NIPSCO to dig up Foster Park to install new pipes

April 8, 2016

NIPSCO to dig up Foster Park to install new pipes

Corinne Rose | 21Alive

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) -- NIPSCO is about to begin a major upgrade project in Fort Wayne.

And the company hopes to complete it before wedding season kicks in.

What does a natural gas pipeline have to do with weddings?

Stakes mark where crews will dig a huge trench, and they're right next to the pavilion at Foster Park -- a highly popular spot for weddings and receptions.

The $9 million project will replace about a mile's worth of old, redundant, and smaller natural gas pipes along the Saint Marys River.

The 3,200 feet of new pipes will be larger in diameter to better deliver the gas.

It's part of the company's plan to modernize its infrastructure.

However, crews will try to get most of the work done early so that it won't interfere too much with park activity.

“Lots of public areas, lots of park areas, we've been working really closely with officials from the city of Fort Wayne and the Parks and Rec Department to make sure that all our ducks are in a row and that they're aware and we're aware of the project,” says NIPSCO’s Dana Berkes.

Construction is set to begin next week, and should be finished near the pavilion by the first part of June.

Crews will also be working simultaneously in a residential area just north of Quimby Village, and the entire project is slated to be complete by the end of September.

There will be some lane restrictions near the dig sites but signs will be posted, and while residents will get notices, there shouldn't be any disruption in service.