Northern Loop Pipeline Project

What is the Columbia Gas Northern Columbus Loop Phase 7 Pipeline Project?

Our Northern Columbus Loop Phase 7 Pipeline Project is a natural gas pipeline infrastructure project designed to meet the steadily increasing demand of north and west Columbus by connecting to gas supplies on the east side of Columbus. An interactive map of the current and preferred routes is available here.

Expected Start Date: January 2028
Expected End Date: December 2028
Distance: 12.3 miles of 24” pipe and 4.3 miles of 16” pipe

Preferred and Alternate Routes

See a map that shows the Preferred and Alternate routes here. The pages follow the routes from east to west, starting at the origination point in Delaware County and ending in Union County.

(1) A basic description of the project that shall include information about the anticipated function, equipment size, approximate acreage, general location, schedule, and purpose of the project.

The Project involves construction of a new natural gas transmission line in Delaware and Union counties by installing approximately 12.3 miles of 24-inch diameter and 4.3 miles of 16-inch diameter steel natural gas pipeline to support the central Ohio system. As currently planned, the Project starts east of the junction of Sawmill Parkway and Hyatts Road in Liberty Township (Delaware County) at the tie-in site of the existing NCL system, and the proposed Project route ends at a tie-in site to the existing North Columbus High Pressure (“NCHP”) system located east of the junction of McKitrick Road and Hyland-Croy Road in Jerome Township (Union County). The Project also connects to a Columbia owned facility on Watkins-California Road, approximately one mile northwest of the junction with U.S. Route 42 in Jerome Township. The proposed Project will impact approximately 214.9 acres. If approved, construction is anticipated to start in January 2028 and end by December 2028.

The purpose of the Project is to create a supply point for the NCHP system from the NCL high pressure system which will enable Columbia to meet projected natural gas commodity supply needs as well as provide operational flexibility to reliably serve customers in Franklin, Delaware, Union, and Madison counties.

(2) The date, time, and location of the public informational meetings to be held pursuant to paragraph (B) of this rule.

The first public informational meeting will take place on November 18, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School located at 6885 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, Ohio 43065.
The second public informational meeting will take place on December 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Olentangy Hyatts Middle School located at 6885 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, Ohio 43065.

(3) A list of any waivers of the board’s rules that the applicant anticipates it will be requesting for the project.

None.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for this project?

Preliminary survey work has already begun for this project. Construction is anticipated to start in January 2028 and complete by December 2028.

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Why is this project needed?

Communities north and west of Columbus have grown by thousands of customers over the last 20 years resulting in the existing gas system reaching the limits of its capacity and ability to serve those customers. A new supply of gas is needed to maintain reliable service for the growing community.

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What are some of the benefits of building the Northern Loop?

The Northern Loop will strengthen gas reliability for homes and provide sufficient supply for new offices, schools, and stores. It will also allow Columbia to continue serving new customers in this area as well as companies looking to locate or add jobs in the area.

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What are your next steps?

Columbia has commenced a regulatory approval process with the Ohio Power Siting Board and will be holding the required information meetings throughout the fall with plans to file a regulatory application with the Ohio Power Siting Board in the first quarter of 2027. In the meantime, Columbia will work to obtain necessary land rights, and apply for permits and other items needed for construction. We will continue to meet with property owners, public officials and community members throughout the project.

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What type of traffic impact will there be?

Columbia is still developing the required maintenance of traffic plan, which will be included in the application that will be filed before the Ohio Power Siting Board.

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Is the Project subject to Ohio Power Siting Board review and approval?

Yes. Columbia will seek approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board to construct this project.

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What is the Ohio Power Siting Board?

The Ohio Power Siting Board, also known as the OPSB, is a state agency that considers requests for approval of large electric and natural gas infrastructure projects. You can read more about the OPSB at http://www.opsb.ohio.gov.

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Will this project make gas service available in areas not currently served?

The Northern Columbus Loop Project will transport gas from our eastern Columbus system to our western Columbus system. While the project’s current focus is gas transportation, we anticipate the loop will improve service reliability for existing customers and may create opportunities for new communities in the area to receive gas service. Columbia will work with interested customers and communities on future gas service opportunities.

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