National Grid replaces gas mains at height of beach season

Right in the middle of the beach season, workers for Network Infrastructure have been subcontracted by National Grid to replace gas main lines along Austin Boulevard in Island Park.

Wendy Ladd, senior media relations representative for National Grid, said the work involves 6,000 feet of new gas mains — 3,000 feet on both sides of the street, from California Place North to Audubon Boulevard.

“We are working on the east side of street now, affecting north-bound traffic — leaving the beach,” Ladd said. “The work is expected to last approximately six weeks.” Crews are out from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and traffic lanes are reopened when they leave.

Workers are completing about 300 feet of piping per day, with repaving taking place the same day. The next two weeks of work will be on the east side of Austin Boulevard, and then it will switch to the west side — no doubt affecting beach bound traffic. “We are taking two lanes, leaving one for traffic,” Ladd added.

The mains have a 50-year life span, she said, explaining that this is a routine job, and not related to Hurricane Sandy. She asked that drivers give the workers the room they need to do the job safely.