Forward Avenue Pipeline Improvement Project
Enhancing Squirrel Hill pipeline infrastructure for safer, more reliable natural gas service
The blue and pink lines on the map to the right show where new mainlines will be installed.
In August 2026, Peoples Natural Gas begins a pipeline modernization project to replace a 19th-century main serving customers along Forward Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. This project takes place in and around Forward Avenue’s intersection with Murray Avenue and Pocusset Street, near the Parkway East. While we know this work creates disruptions, the significant investments made here will serve the community and deliver benefits for decades to come.
Since its founding in 1885, Peoples has provided natural gas service to millions of customers throughout Western Pennsylvania. Some pipelines, like this line on Forward Avenue, date back to the company’s earliest days. Peoples is in the midst of executing a Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan to replace aged pipes with new lines made of state-of-the-art materials, improving the safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of our region’s gas distribution systems. The below video provides information on the process of replacing aging large-diameter pipelines:
The large-diameter steel line targeted for retirement currently serves customers on Forward Ave. between Beechwood Boulevard and Shady Avenue. Work will also occur on Murray Avenue on each side of its intersection with Forward.
Peoples will replace approximately 3,400’ of steel pipelines with roughly 500’ of large-diameter steel and 2500’ of small-diameter plastic pipelines. Peoples’ infrastructure improvement plans are approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and all projects within Pittsburgh city limits are performed with approval and close coordination with the City’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI). For the steel pipeline portion of this project, DOMI has permitted Peoples and its contractors to work overnight, from 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. Peoples will provide periodic updates on the project’s progress on this web page. Please Note: Information on this page is tentative and subject to change.
OUR COMMITMENT
Throughout construction, Peoples will strive to keep its work zone as small as possible to minimize disruptions to traffic and daily life for businesses and residents. Though you may see signage noting limited access in our work area, please speak with the Peoples on-site inspector with any questions or unique needs you may have. Peoples inspectors travel in company vehicles and are the best on-site contact – please ask questions of them rather than contracted construction or traffic management teams. Vehicular access is permitted throughout construction for deliveries, public transit, and essential service vehicles such as ambulances and trash collection. Sidewalks remain open with assistance during construction.
Below is a summary of the Forward Avenue Pipe Replacement Project. The overall project contains three steps:
Project Steps
| STEP 1: Pre-Construction During our first phase, we send letters to notify all customers in the affected construction zone. We also gather permits so that we have permission before we begin construction. Additionally, we survey the area and conduct any preliminary groundwork and inspections required. Customers whose gas meter is inside their building will receive a notification approximately 30 days before construction begins. All other customers will receive a letter ~15 days in advance. Automated phone calls are also placed shortly before construction begins. To ensure we have your correct contact information on file, set up an online account at https://peopleseaccount.com/. You can also call us at 1-800-764-0111 to update your phone number and other information. |
| STEP 2: Active Construction During active construction along a roadway, work zones and safety traffic cones will be set up to adjust traffic patterns, following state or local guidelines. This allows Peoples and our contractors to safely control and direct traffic. Please reduce your speed in work zones and drive without distractions. Our employees’ and contractors’ lives depend on you! |
| STEP 3: Post-Construction During this step, we begin restoring the areas where we completed our construction work. We'll replace any sections of lawn, fields, roadways, sidewalks and landscaping as needed.[GJ1] After our restoration services, your street will be back to normal. In some cases, it might look even better than before! During winter months, only temporary restoration is performed, as asphalt plants typically close once the daily temperature consistently drop below 40 degrees. Crews will return during warmer weather to complete permanent restoration. |
SEGMENT 1
Work on this project will begin with the large-diameter steel pipeline on Murray Avenue, starting south of Forward Ave., heading north through the intersection and tying in with the existing mainline near the Starbucks. The City of Pittsburgh’s DOMI has issued permits for overnight work (8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.) on this portion, with the planned work week beginning Sunday night and concluding on Friday morning. Please note: All work schedules are tentative and subject to change based on weather and other factors. For the most up-to-date information, please speak with Peoples project inspector, who are onsite whenever construction work is taking place.
SEGMENT 2
Once the large-diameter steel mainline is installed, Peoples contractors will begin work on the small plastic pipeline that will be installed on Forward Avenue. This work is tentatively slated to begin just south of the eastbound ramp to I-376, continuing onto Forward and through the intersection with Murray toward Shady Ave. Planned work schedule is currently Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
FAQs
Peoples’ pipeline modernization projects are a long-term investment in your community, but we recognize they may not be easy to live and work through. We’re here to help you understand more about the project, our plans, and the benefits behind it. If you have additional questions, please reach out to communications@peoples-gas.com and we will have our Construction Supervisor overseeing the project get in touch with you. You can also seek out the Peoples inspector on site during working hours and speak directly with him.
How will this project affect me?
We’re committed to conducting these projects as swiftly as possible, with minimal disruptions. Once we replace the old pipes with the new ones, we'll repair your street. Your street will look the same as it always has – in some cases, it may look even better! Learn more about What You Should Know
If we need to temporarily block access to a street or driveway, our crew can help you gain safe access – just let them know. We will work with your community to minimize the inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience. Your safety is always our priority throughout this project.
There are times we may need to briefly turn off your gas service. If so, we will contact you to schedule the work and make arrangements to test your house lines, perform necessary safety checks, and turn your service back on. We will need to be inside your home or business to perform safety checks and services like turning on your gas and relighting your appliances. Please note that someone 18 years or older must be at your home or business when we need access, and all pets must be secured when we’re working on your meter and turning your gas back on.
How can I identify your employees and contractors?
Our employees and contractors can be identified by marked vehicles. They may be from Peoples or one of our contractors, CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR, ALL Ways Safe, Inc., and Lindy Paving. All employees should identify themselves and carry ID cards. They will gladly show these upon request.
When you have questions or needs, please speak to Peoples on-site Inspector. These individuals have a fuller understanding of project scopes, timelines, and unique circumstances than contracted employees. Our inspectors are the best people to provide assistance.
Will I have to pay extra for this project?
No, you won’t have to pay for this project. The cost of building, maintaining, and upgrading our gas line system is shared among our entire customer base.
What steps are involved in replacing pipes?
A great deal of planning and coordination goes into replacing aged infrastructure with new pipelines. Peoples and its contractors strive to ensure each project is as efficient as possible, working closely with local and state officials to attain the required permits. Work is planned with safety at the forefront to avoid impacting other underground utilities such as water, electric and telecommunications.
On large, complex projects like Forward Avenue, work is divided into smaller segments to keep road closures as small as possible. Crews will cautiously excavate, place the new pipe, backfill around it and perform temporary restoration work. Then, they move on to the next segment, repeating the above process until all new main line has been installed. Customer service lines along the route of a new main line are assessed and replaced as needed at no cost to the customer. At this point, crews “tie in” the new pipeline to the existing main line. After successfully performing safety checks, the new line is energized, and gas begins flowing through it. The old lines are disconnected, capped, and abandoned in place.
During the final stages of the above process, service may be temporarily disconnected for customers. Peoples strives to restore service as quickly as possible. As part of our commitment to safety, our Field Customer Service technicians will visit each customer and conduct a safety check of all outdoor and indoor customer piping and appliances before gas service is restored to a home or business. Customers will also receive an upgrade to the new Intelis meter at the conclusion of the construction and reconnection phase of the project.