On Gough Street in East Baltimore, history runs beneath the pavement. A 30-inch cast iron gas main installed in 1877 has been delivering safe and reliable service to Baltimore City for nearly 150 years—since just after the Civil War. Over time, however, cast iron becomes brittle and more prone to leaks, particularly at the joints where pipe segments meet. Rather than replacing this massive pipeline—a process that would be costly and disruptive—BGE’s Gas Construction team turned to an innovative solution: trenchless lining renewal.
This approach allows the existing main to be reinforced without digging up entire streets. The process begins by temporarily taking the main out of service and opening it at several access points. Crews then clean and prepare the interior before a contractor specializing in trenchless pipeline renewal installs a cured-in-place liner. Using advanced machinery, the liner is blown into the pipe like a balloon and hardened to form a strong, protective layer. This modern lining strengthens the aging pipe, reduces the risk of leaks, and ensures safety for customers. It is also more cost-effective than full replacement and far less disruptive to the surrounding community.
The result is a resilient lining that can extend the life of the pipeline by up to 100 years. While this main has served Baltimore for nearly a century and a half, the new liner will allow it to continue providing safe and reliable service well into the next century. At BGE, we have a long history of blending innovation with stewardship, building a stronger, more resilient future for our customers.
