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Telecommunications Upgrade

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1. Who is working in residential lawns and properties?

Excavators are privately hired contractors working on behalf of utility companies such as Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, or Comcast.

Professional locators or third-party companies are generally employed by utility companies to mark underground utility lines using flags, chalk, paint, etc.

2. Why are flags being placed on a property, and what do they mean?

Utility companies are required to send professional locators to residences to mark underground utility lines. These lines are marked with colored flags to prevent them from being damaged during excavation.

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, please do not remove, or disturb the flags or any other markings. If the flags or markings are moved or compromised in any way, please call 811 to request the utilities to be marked again.

The color of the flag denotes what type of utility line it is marking. Please refer to the graphic on this page for a flag color code. 

3. Are Township employees working on resident’s properties?

While utility work is being conducted by third-party contractors, Cranberry Township employees are responsible for marking public water, public sewer, and public stormwater infrastructure. The Township is also using additional contractors to keep up with the demand of marking properties.

4. If I’m not switching my internet provider, why are there workers in my yard?

Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, and Comcast are currently working to update telecommunication infrastructure networks across the Township to provide upgraded services to residents. This requires access to existing infrastructure on residential properties. Contractors may also need to access residential properties to service other residences or local businesses.

5. This is my private property, and I did not give permission for companies to access it. Why are they allowed to do so?

Utility companies have a legal right to access any of their infrastructure located on the owner’s property due to easement rights. Easements are dedicated sections of land on private property which utility companies are allowed to access for the betterment of the community.

To locate easements on a property, check the property deed, contact the utility companies that service the property, or have a surveyor come to inspect the property. 

Those having difficulty locating the property deed should contact the Butler County Recorder of Deeds at 724-284-5340.

6. Why are they digging?

Currently, Armstrong, Comcast, and Consolidated Communications are all upgrading their telecommunication infrastructure networks across the Township which requires them to access their existing underground lines.

7. When will companies begin digging?

Some contractors will leave a door hanger at residents’ homes at least two weeks prior to the commencement of work. Any questions should be directed to the company contact number listed on the door hanger.

Some contractors may send a letter, postcard, or call the residence.

Others do not inform residents of their intended work.

8. I smell gas – what should I do?

If there is an odor of gas, exit the building or residence immediately.

Residents should then call 911 and report the odor, then call the gas utility provider that supplies the residence. If the gas utility provider’s contact information is unknown, call the PA One Call System to report the incident.

• PA One Call System: 811 or 1-800-242-1776 ext. 4
• Columbia Gas: 1-888-460-4332
• Dominion/People’s Gas: 1-800-764-0111
• Equitable Gas: 1-800-654-6335
• First Energy/Penn Power: 1-800-720-3600

9. When will the project be completed?

The overall project is estimated to take approximately one year to complete. Time to complete work at different locations will vary.

10. How long will the flags remain in the ground?

Please contact PA One Call to find specific information on a specific flag and project.

11. How long will painted markings last, and is it safe?

Biodegradable paint is used to mark lines and should last a maximum of 30 days. The water-soluble paint can be removed with a power washer and is environmentally safe.

12. If property was damaged, who would pay for repairs?

Any damage done to property is the responsibility of the contractor who caused the damage.

Residents can call the contractor directly or contact Cranberry Township Customer Service to get in touch with the contractor who completed work on the property.

13. When switching internet providers, who needs to be contacted?

Those interested in switching providers need to contact the company (Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, or Comcast) for their desired services. Cranberry Township does not need to be contacted during this process.

14. What is the process of telecommunication access?

1. The utility company determines which properties they need access to.
2. The utility company contacts PA 811 for properties to be marked.
3. Cranberry Township receives notification that they must mark a property or properties.
4. Cranberry Township has 3 business days to complete request.
5. Once the property/properties are marked, the utility company may proceed with excavation.
6. Once excavation is complete, the utility company is required to restore the property to the original state.
7. If restoration is not completed, it is the responsibility of the resident to work directly with the utility company for complete restoration.

15. Can I remove the flags from my property?

Cranberry Townships advises to not move or remove the flags.  It is recommended to call the utility companies or PA 811 directly to discuss flag positioning.  Also call PA 811 if the property needs to be remarked or flags replaced or repositioned. Please note, there are occasions when the flags are missed (not picked up) when the work is completed. 

16. Why did the Township allow this work to occur?

Simply put, the Township does not have the authority to permit or stop such work. Utility companies have a legal right to access any of their infrastructure located on the owner’s property due to easement rights. Easements are dedicated sections of land on private property which utility companies are allowed to access for the betterment of the community.

17. What is the Township doing to address resident issues?

Cranberry has dedicated a full-time staff member to focus entirely on these projects. Joseph Leavens, the Township’s Manager of Sewer and Water Field Operations, is responsible for answering all questions, tracking work and any issues, and coordinating with utility companies if additional response is needed.

Leavens can be reached by calling 724-776-4806 x 1515.

18. Is the Township working with the utility companies?

The Township is in constant contact with the utility companies about where they are working and general timelines. While some are very responsive, others are not. All contact info is available on the Township website.

19. Why can’t companies share lines or use existing lines?

Each company must use their own lines to ensure oversight and accountability in the future. Similarly, any existing lines are already owned by a specific company. Those lines may not be equipped to handle additional usage, requiring new lines to be installed.

20. Why did the Township approve franchise agreements?

The Township’s hands are often tied by franchise agreements and federal regulations. However, Cranberry has always welcomed providers to offer their services in the community.

The reason? In short, it’s about choice.

For decades, residents have demanded more options and choice when it comes to cable and internet providers. This work provides those choices.

While the work is invasive, it is temporary. Once finished, providers will be better equipped to serve Cranberry Township residents.

21. How was this work communicated with residents?

The Township has used every available resource to communicate ongoing work and answer questions.

In addition to previous stories in ‘Cranberry Today,’ an announcement has been in place on the Township’s website since earlier this year. That announcement also links to a webpage full of information, including FAQs, contact information, updated timelines, and much more.

Additionally, information has been shared via Cranberry Central, the Township’s e-newsletter, as well as via Township social media pages.

Outside of the Township’s efforts, utility companies must communicate with residents about upcoming work, either through a mailing or door hanger.

22. What is the Township doing regarding winter work and street maintenance?

Effective November 1, the Township is entering snow plowing season. The Township has provided specific instructions to cable companies who are upgrading infrastructure to ensure work zones are properly compacted if the need arises for snow plow access.  Work areas, including cross trenches are to be identified with signs and safety cones so snowplow operators can safely pass through. 

23. Do you have a question that is not listed?

If you have a question that is not listed, please email the communicationsteam@cranberrytownship.org and it can be added.  Thanks!