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Leitchfield utility staff report 61 new gas services and say bypass relocation is nearing completion
Summary
Utility staff told the Leitchfield Utilities Commission that crews installed 61 gas services and roughly 7,700 feet of gas main this year, and that most gas-line work tied to the bypass relocation is complete; staff also flagged manpower strains and plans to relay the Wilkie School service.
Brad, a utility staff member, told the Leitchfield Utilities Commission on Jan. 15 that crews "put in 61 gas services" this year and installed about "10,000 footage of service line," with roughly "7,700 feet gas main" added to the system. He said the utility retired only 19 abandoned services during the year and has been working through manpower shortages that limited productivity earlier in the season.
The report focused on a multistage bypass relocation. Brad said the relocation work is staged in three main sections — one adjacent to the commission’s office, a section on KY-62 near Youngs and another by the rock quarry — and that most of the gas tie-ins in completed sections are finished. "As of yesterday, they brought a new gas line on board," he said, and staff expect crews to finish outstanding connections "possibly this week, if not... next week." He described bore work under the bypass and short temporary crew relocations to accommodate weather and site conditions.
Brad also described a safety and operational concern at Wilkie School: the school's 2-inch meter set and service runs near the playground and gym. He said the utility would like to "get that relayed" to move the service out of the high-traffic area. He noted more recent main extensions through the Indian Hill shopping center have positioned gas closer to additional streets, meaning customers could request new services when convenient.
On metering, Brad said crews installed new ultrasonic gas meters and are adding radio-enabled "smart points" to older meters. He did not provide a precise count of smart-point retrofits but said the work is ongoing. Commissioners discussed opportunities to convert large commercial propane users, including a local nursing home and some restaurants, to natural gas.
The commission did not take formal action on the bypass project schedule; commissioners said they have sought schedule details from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Bowling Green district and expect major roadway elements to proceed next season, but no definitive county-level timeline was provided.
The next operational step: staff will continue the remaining tie-ins on the bypass sections and pursue relaying the Wilkie School service; commissioners will monitor progress at future meetings.
