The Town of Pittsboro issued a townwide Stop Work Order for Google Fiber construction activities Monday afternoon. The order comes after three utility line strikes across two workdays. Workers broke a gas line in the Chatham Forest subdivision Friday, Oct. 23, resulting in work shutting down for the remainder of the day. The following Monday, Oct. 26, another gas line break occurred in Chatham Forest, as well as a water line break on East Street.
According to a release from the town, those three incidents “follow previous compliance concerns and utility strikes associated with Google Fiber contractor work.” The town previously issued Corrective Action Notices and Stop Work Orders to Google Fiber contractors to “reinforce requirements that all applicable procedures, protocols and permit conditions be followed.”
The town says this latest order will remain in effect through the end of the week. Staff plan to meet with representatives in from Google Fiber in an “All-Hands Safety Briefing and Work Plan Review” next Monday, Nov. 2 to review the utility strike incidents and determine whether construction activities may resume. The briefing is open to Pittsboro residents and will begin at 7:30 a.m. outside Town Hall on East Street. The town says it will provide an update when the Stop Work Order is lifted and when it is determined when and where construction activities may resume.
The Town remains committed to protecting public infrastructure, ensuring compliance with applicable agreements and permit requirements, and minimizing disruptions to residents, businesses, and the community,” read the release from the town government. “While state and federal law require the Town to allow telecommunications providers, such as Google Fiber, access to public rights-of-way on an equal basis, the Town holds all providers accountable for adhering to applicable safety standards and protecting vital infrastructure.”
The town sent another update Tuesday afternoon, saying staff conducted field inspections of work sites in the morning which identified unfilled holes, open vaults and cable left out at the sites. According to the town, crews will be working around town during the next 24 hours to clean up the sites.
Residents and businesses experiencing issues or concerns related to the Google Fiber construction are encouraged to contact the Town of Pittsboro at 919-542-4621 and request to speak with staff in the Development Services or Public Works departments. To report a site that needs attention, contact Development Services Director Maie Armstrong at 984-282-6706 or at marmstrong@pittsboronc.gov.
Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Brighton McConnell
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
Richard Ojeda Projected to Unseat Rep. Richard Hudson, Win Election to U.S. HouseDemocratic challenger Richard Ojeda is projected to unseat incumbent Republican Richard Hudson and win election to the U.S. House.
Incumbents Kenlan, Gomez Flores Win New Terms on Chatham County Board of CommissionersDemocrats and incumbents Katie Kenlan and Franklin Gomez Flores are each poised to serve a second term on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, after riding significant support on Election Night. With 100% of precincts reporting on Tuesday, Kenlan earned roughly 63% of the vote, while Gomez Flores earned 63% of the vote over their […]
Steve Maynor Wins Election to Full Term as Chatham County SheriffSteve Maynor, who assumed the office of Chatham County Sheriff from the outgoing Mike Roberson in August, is projected to win a full term.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: County Commissioner Karen HowardChatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, November 3, discussing county news and events. She discussed the election and its implications for both Chatham County, and the state. She also recapped the most recent meeting of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, talked about the latest with the Enbridge Pipeline, and more.
![]()
The Morning News: Election Day is Here, and So Is UNC BasketballIn today's news: it's Election Day, with many pivotal races on your ballot; and UNC basketball opens its season with a rough Monday.
Chatham County Leaders and Environmental Activists Call for Statewide Data Center MoratoriumOrganizers said Wednesday's press conference makes Chatham the sixth county in the North Carolina to call for such a data center moratorium.
Early Voting in North Carolina is Ending: Where to Go in Orange, Durham, and Chatham CountiesEarly voting for North Carolina's general election is underway through Saturday, October 31. Here is what you need to know to cast your vote.
![]()
The Morning News: Elliott Woods Residents Displaced, Early Voting Surpasses 2022In today's news: residents at Elliott Woods and Chase Park in Chapel Hill sound the alarm after being displaced by renovations.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Google Contractors, South Village Feedback, and MorePittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, October 27, discussing town news and events. He explained a recent stop work order for Google Contractors after several existing lines have been hit around town. He discussed the feedback period for the Chatham Park South Village, as well as feedback from the community on the new Town Hall facade, and more.
After Multiple Line Breaks, Town of Pittsboro Issues Stop Work Order to Google FiberThe Town of Pittsboro issued a townwide Stop Work Order for Google Fiber construction activities Monday afternoon. The order comes after three utility line strikes across two workdays. Workers broke a gas line in the Chatham Forest subdivision Friday, Oct. 23, resulting in work shutting down for the remainder of the day. The following Monday, […]
›
