National Grid to Begin Gas Main Upgrade Project in West Roxbury This Week

National Grid announced Tuesday that it plans to begin a project to upgrade natural gas mains in the West Roxbury area. 

The project calls for replacing two existing pipes that run down Centre Street between Spring Street and Grove Street with a single main, and replace the pipes on several side streets as well. 

As part of the effort, National Grid will upgrade the infrastructure of the area from original cast iron mains to industry standard plastic piping, which will "help provide safe and reliable natural gas service to local customers for years to come," the company said.

Crews will upgrade about 3,500 feet of new main on Centre Street; more than 700 feet on Bogandle Street; more than 500 feet on Cass Street, Centre Terrace and Woodbrier Road; and shorter sections along Acacia Road, Wedgeme Road and Centre Lane.

Work is expected to last about six months, during which time National Grid is urging residents to drive cautiously to protect themselves and natural gas workers in the area. 

Residents should also note that parking restrictions and potential staggered traffic flow, which will be facilitated by Boston police, will be in effect during the project. 

The project in West Roxbury is part of a larger replacement program, as National Grid upgrades older mains to more modern materials and invests in a natural gas infrastructure. Last year, the company replaced more than 160 miles of natural gas mains in Massachusetts.