Board approves Nipsco valve-replacement permits with start-date contingency to avoid school disruption

The Hammond City Board of Works approved two right-of-way permits for Nipsco gas work, imposing a scheduling contingency to reduce impacts on nearby schools.

Engineering staff said one permit covers work at Orchard and Grand and will require a single-lane restriction; a second, at 173rd and Grama, involves replacing a critical valve and will require a roadway shutdown and detour. The permits arrived late on Tuesday and staff requested flexibility; because school schedules were affected, engineering recommended a contingency that the work begin on Dec. 20 and last approximately one week. The board approved the permits with that contingency.

Staff said they would confirm details of the detour and follow up with the contractor to ensure the route and timing limit student disruption. The board recorded the approval by voice vote with no dissents.