MERRILLVILLE, Ind.---Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) announced plans for construction of a new 30" gas main along a section of NIPSCO-owned Erie-Lackawanna right-of-way to meet the growing demand for natural gas in Lake County.

The $11 million project will provide an additional source of natural gas for the county and assure sufficient capacity to meet peak usage periods.

"The demand for natural gas by residential, commercial and industrial customers has grown as new development and business expansions continue in the county," said Don Tokoly, manager of NIPSCO Engineering. "This project is an example of NIPSCO planning for the current and future natural gas needs of our customers and then making the necessary investment."

The pipeline construction, scheduled to begin in November and completed in May 2001, will require the removal and reconstruction of the bike path currently on the Erie-Lackawanna right-of-way between 93rd Avenue in Crown Point and 45th Avenue in Griffith.

"We realize how much Lake County residents have come to enjoy the bike path," said Larry Graham, NIPSCO Public Affairs representative. "To keep the time the bike path is unavailable to a minimum, we will complete the pipeline work during the winter months so the reconstruction of the path can begin following completion of the project in May."

NIPSCO purchased this section of right-of-way in 1988 to use as a route for future gas mains or other utility needs. Following the right-of-way purchase, the Lake County Parks Department and local municipalities approached NIPSCO regarding the possible use of the route as a bike path. NIPSCO partnered with the county and municipalities and provided a no-cost lease that allowed the bike path to be built on the right-of-way with the understanding NIPSCO would retain all rights for future utility use.

It is estimated the bike path should be available for public use sometime in June 2001.