Woodward Park NCHP Project

What is the Woodward Park NCHP Project?

To comply with federal requirements, we are replacing gas lines in the northwest Columbus area. There will be no impact to your Columbia Gas service. Pipeline construction will affect traffic throughout the duration of the project, as most work will be done in the road right-of-way. We ask all motorists to be patient and be respectful of all work zone directives.

Project details: Northwest Columbus
Expected start date: January 2027
Expected end date: December 2027
Distance: 6.6 miles of pipe

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Interactive Project Map

(1) A basic description of the project that shall include information about the anticipated function, equipment size, approximate acreage, general location, schedule, and purpose of the project.

The Project involves replacing an existing natural gas transmission line in the Woodward Park area by installing approximately 5.3 miles of 20-inch diameter and 1.3 miles of 12-inch diameter steel natural gas pipeline to support the central Ohio system. As currently planned, the proposed Project runs along Postlewaite Road, Bethel Road, West Rathbone Avenue, Morse Road, Indianola Avenue, and Karl Road in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.  The Project will impact approximately 40 acres.  If approved, construction is anticipated to start in early 2027 and complete in December 2027.

The purpose of the Project is to continue reliably serving the central Ohio region, improve safety, and further Columbia's efforts to meet mandates of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (“PHMSA”) rule changes in 49 C.F.R. 191 and 192, commonly referred to as the “PHMSA Mega Rule.”  Moreover, replacing the existing pipeline increases the reliability of a critical piece of Columbia’s service to the Columbus area through the NCHP system, as well as provides safety benefits. The safety benefits include, but are not limited to, a lower ratio of operating stress to yield strength of the pipeline material and updated pipeline records.

(2) The date, time, and location of the public informational meetings to be held pursuant to paragraph (B) of this rule.

The first public informational meeting will take place on April 8, 2026 from 4:30 pm - 6 pm at the Woodward Park Community Center located at 5147 Karl Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43229.

(3) A list of any waivers of the board's rules that the applicant anticipates it will be requesting for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “NCHP” stand for?

NCHP stands for North Columbus High Pressure. The Woodward Park project is the 6th of several planned projects over a multi-year period to replace the NCHP system. All NCHP projects are mandatory to comply with federal requirements.

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Why is this project needed?

The installation of new gas line facilities is required to comply with federal safety mandates – namely PHMSA’s Mega Rule. The Mega Rule is aimed at increasing pipeline safety throughout the natural gas industry across the country.

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What purpose does the existing and replacement line serve?

The pipeline feeds multiple systems across the Columbus footprint, which services thousands of Columbia Gas customers.

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What is the timeline for this project?

Preliminary survey work has already begun for this project. Construction is anticipated to start in January 2027. Project completion will be communicated later, as it is dependent on weather, resources and permitting.

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What areas will be affected by this project?

This project will involve the northwest Columbus area. (See below map for project route)

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What type of traffic impact will there be?

Minimal traffic interruption will be needed to complete the preliminary digs that take place prior to the start of the project. When the project starts, there will be street closures, lane closures and other traffic impact throughout the duration of the project. Detour routes and work zone areas will be clearly marked and should always be respected to ensure the safety of motorists and workers.

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Who will review the project?

Columbia has filed an application with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB), seeking approval for the construction of this project. The application can be found at https://www.columbiagasohio.com/our-company/about-us/regulatory-information.

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What is the Ohio Power Siting Board?

The Ohio Power Siting Board, also known as the OPSB, is a state agency that considers requests for approval of large electric and natural gas infrastructure projects. You can read more about the OPSB at http://www.opsb.ohio.gov.   

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What will you do to protect the environment and cultural resources?

A team has identified all sensitive environmental and cultural areas in the vicinity and has designed this project in a manner that minimizes its impact. Construction will follow regulations from the U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers, the OPSB and other agencies to protect the environment.  

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What are your next steps?

We have been meeting with public officials and notifying property owners regarding preliminary planning steps. Prior to construction, we will host public meetings to explain this required work and answer questions.

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Questions? Please reach out to us at 800-242-6227 or NCHP@nisource.com with questions about this project.