Pipeline upgrades in progress near Cedaredge, Colorado

We're in the process of replacing an aging natural gas pipeline in western Colorado. 

The project is part of a regional plan to ensure our critical infrastructure is ready to meet the needs of growing communities and continuing to deliver the safe, reliable natural gas to our customers.

In addition to upgrading existing pipeline, some infrastructure will also be relocated from within city limits to less densely populated areas. Reclamation and restoration efforts will be implemented once the construction of the pipeline is complete.

Planning for the project was completed last year and phased replacement the 38-mile section of pipeline from Collbran to Austin, Colo., will be completed in phases over the next 5-6 years. Phase A construction is in progress and expected to be completed this year – this includes a 11.2-mile stretch between Orchard City and the western side of Cedaredge, Colorado.

 

Phase A (in progress through 2022): Includes the installation of 11.2 miles of new 8” steel pipeline. The construction project will begin at the east end of Fruit Growers Road in Orchard City, continuing north through rural areas and along Harts Basin Road, turning west up to Highway 65 near SE Jay Avenue. The project will then proceed up 9th Street to 11th Street and 11th Street to Happy Hollow Road; Happy Hollow Road to Sage Avenue, then through fields to Sweet Clover Road. Work will then follow along Sweet Clover Road to 2325 Road and up to T50 Road, turning back east and ending on the east side of Highway 65 and T50 Road, where it will tie back into the existing pipeline. 

Project notes

(Updated Aug. 15, 2022)

Black Hills Energy’s construction contractor will continue work along Happy Hollow Road and crossing Main Street for the next couple weeks. A second crew will continue north on 9th Street and turning west on 11th Street over the next three weeks. Pipeline work will require closing 11th Street from Happy Hollow to SW Melinda Road for approximately two weeks; a detour will reroute all traffic along Main Street on the north and Hamilton Road on the south. 

The new pipeline is about 80 percent installed as of the beginning of August. Most of the remaining work on the pipeline is along 9th and 11th Streets and along Happy Hollow and Fruitgrowers Roads. The entire project is expected to be completed by mid-October. 

Asphalt paving repairs are expected to begin on Aug. 15 starting at T-50 Road and continuing along 2325 Road and Sweet Clover. Additional paving repairs will follow on Sage Avenue, Happy Hollow Road, 9th Street, North and Fruitgrowers Roads the week of Aug. 22. Asphalt crews will return following completion of the pipeline on Happy Hollow, 11th Street and Fruitgrowers in late September. 

There will be delays within the road right of ways while crews are installing the pipelines and completing asphalt repairs throughout the project. Our Black Hills Energy and contractor teams appreciate your patience as we work to safely replace this important infrastructure. Additional updates will be posted as the project progresses.  

If you have any questions or would like more information on this project, please contact us here.