In 2024 you’ll continue to see us working in your community as we update our natural gas system.
Project details
While the current natural gas lines are still safe, we’re continuing our efforts to update approximately 3,900 feet of natural gas lines throughout Eureka Springs with modern technology. The new gas lines require less maintenance, improve our ability to precisely locate natural gas lines and are installed using the latest materials and methods.
Barrows Excavation and Stan Savage Plumbing continue to assist us with this project. Black Hills Energy crews and contractors will work in Eureka Springs neighborhoods to upgrade natural gas lines and gas meters. This process includes locating and marking underground utility lines. You may notice flags and paint in your yard or around your neighborhood that identify the location of phone, cable, electric, fiber, water, sewer and gas utility lines.
Along with construction work in the area, we’ll also move gas meters to safer locations to avoid damages due to vehicles or other hazards along streets. During different phases of the work, your natural gas service may be interrupted for a minimal amount of time. We’ll contact you directly to notify you in advance of this temporary interruption.
Work will be performed in small sections around Eureka Springs to limit disruption as much as possible. See the map below for 2024 planned construction routes.
You and your family need and deserve safe, reliable energy, and Black Hills Energy is always looking ahead to make sure we deliver. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we deliver an advanced, modern natural gas system that will safely and reliably serve you and the Eureka Springs community for generations to come.
Project overview
In 2020 Black Hills Energy replaced natural gas lines along Highway 62 including sections along East Mountain Avenue; Drennon Lane; and Harvey, Oak Ridge and Cross streets. Replacement work in Eureka Springs continued in 2021 and 2022 to include along Van Buren; Grand Avenue; Alexander, Breeding, Brush, Crockett, Main and Nut streets; and Douglas and Mill Hollow roads.
In 2023 Black Hills Energy crews and contractors upgraded natural gas lines and relocated meters in Eureka Springs primarily along Spring Street, as well as in the neighborhoods of Lookout Circle; Prospect, King and Cottage streets; Hillside Avenue; and Crescent Drive.
In this multi-year investment project in Eureka Springs, planned construction in 2024 includes replacement work on East and West Spring Street beginning in January, then onto Ravine Road and perhaps additional areas of the community if the schedule allows this year.
All contractors carry Black Hills Energy identification and are trained to meet our high quality and service standards. If you have questions, you may call our contact center at 888-890-5554 or submit questions online.
Project map
We understand construction can impact your life and business. We’re carefully planning our work and are committed to keeping you informed. This map highlights the work areas in the order they will be performed. We will update this information as needed should timing or locations change.
Road closures
Black Hills Energy and our contractors strive to keep roads open during construction and limit the disruption to traffic flow. Safety is our top priority, and there may be times when closing a street is the safest option for our workers and Eureka Springs residents. We will work in partnership with City officials and first responders to make these decisions and communicate with residents. We appreciate your understanding as we work to meet the growing energy needs of Carroll County.
Frequently asked questions
Are the existing natural gas lines safe?
Yes, the existing natural gas lines are safe. Our plan to update the current lines with modern materials and technology will increase the reliability of our service and enhance its safe performance. Construction is being conducted to meet all U.S. Department of Transportation regulations and requirements.
Will I need to pay for the gas line replacements?
All replacement and project costs are Black Hills Energy’s and are later recovered through rates that are reviewed and approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Any service or repairs needed on customer owned appliances or internal piping are the responsibility of the customer.
When will the work start and how long will it take?
Black Hills Energy’s contractor will begin construction work in January 2021. We will attempt to notify you in advance of when we anticipate work to start on your property. Preliminary work consisting of surveying and staking the natural gas line has begun. Work will continue throughout Eureka Springs until the replacements are complete. Check the project map above for updates on when we may be working in your area.
Will my gas meter or piping be moved?
During this replacement project, we will also be relocating customer meters. Any meters that are located at or near the road will be moved to the customer premise. When the meter is moved, new piping will be installed from the natural gas main line to the meter at its new location. We will notify each customer in advance of moving their meter and discuss the best location for your meter relocation. This is part of our ongoing efforts to move all customer meters to a safe location at the customer-owned structure.
Will an inspection of my gas appliances and piping be required?
As a safety precaution, Black Hills Energy technician or contractor will be available at no cost to inspect the natural gas piping inside your home for leaks and to ensure inside piping, appliances and other equipment are operating properly and meet code requirements. If any of your appliances are not operating properly or need repairs, it will be your responsibility to have repairs made before gas service can be restored to your residence. Please call 870-365-2948 to schedule an inspection. We encourage you to schedule an inspection proactively to avoid any delays in restoring your gas service.
Will you dig up my yard, sidewalk, retaining wall or driveway – and if so, who’s going to fix it?
Underground boring equipment will be used where conditions allow, however in some areas it will be necessary to dig open trenches. Typically, temporary repairs are made to yards, sidewalks and pavement until work is completed. Shortly thereafter, permanent repairs will be made by Black Hills Energy or its construction crews. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore properties to their original condition.
Will you maintain driveway and traffic access?
Yes. Our goal is always to maintain an open lane of traffic, however there may be times when a street will need to be closed for a period of time. Street closures will be communicated with the city in advance and will be listed on our website. Temporary parking restrictions may be necessary in some areas and signs will be posted where parking is prohibited. Public safety and traffic flow are top concerns.
Will there be an interruption in gas service?
If we are working on your service line, we will need to turn off your service for a short period of time, typically 4 hours. Once work is complete, we will test your house piping, restore service and relight your appliances. An adult 18 years of age or older must be present to allow our employee to enter your home. If there is not an adult present, we will leave a door tag asking you to call us to have your service restored when your schedule allows and an adult can be present.
What will I need to do to have my service reconnected?
If you need gas service restored, please call our Customer Call Center at 1-888-890-5554.
Do I need to be home during construction?
No, you do not need to be home when we are working on your street. However, if there is active gas service at the location and it is interrupted due to construction, an adult 18 years of age or older will need to give us inside access to the home or business so that we can restore service and relight the appliances.
What will happen to the trees and other vegetation on my property?
We are committed to causing as little disruption to the area as possible, however we must install the new piping safely and in the appropriate right-of-way location. We will work with each individual landowner to find the best possible solution to any tree and vegetation concerns.
Will you need to dig in my yard, and if so, who's going to fix it?
Because natural gas lines are buried, boring or trenching will be necessary in the right-of-way, which may include some lawns. If your service line, the underground pipe that runs from the street to the gas meter and/or home, also needs to be replaced, we will need to dig on your property. Before we perform any work on your property, we will attempt to contact you or the landowner. Once work is complete, the restoration of yards, sidewalks and any pavement will be done as quickly as possible. Typical yard restoration is limited to grading and seeding.
How can I get answers to my specific questions?
Customers can ask the Black Hills Energy representative who will be in their neighborhood or contact Customer Service – 888-890-5554. Our call center is available Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time). Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 888-890-5554.
How will repairs be made if historic walls/structures are disrupted during construction?
Black Hills Energy is aware of the significance of the many historic walls and structures around Eureka Springs. We have partnered with local stone masons and approved contractors who will be making any and all repairs in compliance with the City’s Historic District Commission requirements.
See how we're supporting our communities
-
The Springdale, Arkansas, Chamber of Commerce held its 57th annual Teacher Appreciation Event in early August. Created as a way to acknowledge and thank Springdale Public Schools’ educators for their work and contributions to the community, the event is the largest of its kind in the nation. More… -
Community members in Northwest Arkansas recently celebrated a weeklong military and first responder celebration festival, Honor Fest, put together by the City of Bentonville and multiple partner organizations. The goal of the event was to celebrate our nation’s heroes and applaud the work they have… -
Employees of all three offices in Northwest Arkansas recently donated school supplies for the United Way of Northwest Arkansas Fill the Bus school supply drive. Fill the Bus is an initiative that helps to create a pathway out of poverty for children in our area. Donations help provide needy… -
When members of our team in Harrison, Arkansas, learned their local food bank needed help, they didn’t hesitate to step up. For the past month, two to four Black Hills Energy volunteers have spent Friday mornings volunteering at Loaves and Fishes Food Bank of the Ozarks in Berryville, Arkansas.…
