Columbia Gas has started its $3.2 million pipeline improvement project in York City.

The project includes replacing cast iron piping with plastic medium density pipes on West Jackson Street and West Cottage Place, both between Grantley Street and Cleveland Avenue; and on Springettsbury Avenue, between Grantley Street and Jessop Place, said Russell Bedell, spokesman for Columbia Gas.

Columbia Gas crews are installing a total 12,000 feet of pipe, he said.

"It's a big project," Bedell said. "The work began (Monday). We're also replacing customer service lines."

As an added safety measure, the service line upgrades will feature an excess-flow valve that automatically shuts off the natural gas service in the event of a large pressure differential that indicates a leak or damage.

The pipeline improvement project, which is expected to continue through September 2013, will affect 502 customers, including residents and businesses, Bedell said.

Construction crews will work between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, he said.

Bedell said project information will be provided to the community prior to beginning upgrade work, as some projects may require temporary lane closures, road detours or interruption of natural gas service.

-Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.