Gas Pipeline Installation Closes Porter Road

As part of a gas pipeline installation project, Porter Road will be closed until around Jan. 10, according to Columbia Gas Spokesman Russ Beddell.

The work near Porter and Hastings roads started Monday and will continue until Jan. 10, possibly Jan. 11, depending on weather conditions and road restoration, says Beddell.

The company has installed roughly 5,000 feet of pipeline between Porter Road and Park Avenue. The company still has 8,500 feet to install along University Drive and on Penn State’s campus.

Beddell says all work on campus will not start until after the spring semester graduation ceremony.

Penn State is installing the pipeline as part of a project to convert the West Campus Steam Plant from coal to gas. The university has until January 2016 to meet new air quality standards established by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The conversion of the steam plant caused controversy in the State College community with many residents raising concerns about potential dangers. As a result, Penn State agreed to spend nearly $10 million to move the pipeline so that it runs through campus and not the borough.

Columbia serves nearly 12,000 customers in Centre County and has more than 47 miles of gas pipeline in State College Borough.

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