Norwich – Norwich Public Utilities crews began a project Monday to replace nearly 2,000 feet of cast-iron natural gas piping with safer, modern piping along West Thames Street.

The work is being done between Dunham Street and Bushnell Place and should be completed by October.

As part of this project, NPU will replace old natural gas service lines to 24 residential customers.

“Investing in our infrastructure will make our natural gas system safer and more reliable for years to come,” NPU General Manager John Bilda said in a press release. “While we are committed to minimizing the inconvenience to the public as this important work moves forward, the safety of our employees and community will always be the first priority.”

Much of the cast-iron piping in this section of Norwich was installed in the 1920s. The work this summer will replace older pipe with polyethylene piping, which is more reliable, flexible and has a lifespan of more than 50 years, NPU officials said.

NPU crews will be working between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday each week. Flaggers will be in place to assist with traffic flow through the area.

NPU is reaching out to businesses along the construction route to minimize any impact on their operations.