News Summary
The Town of Lexington has issued a stop work order on Ripple Fiber due to safety concerns after the company damaged multiple gas lines, leading to a significant gas leak in the Woodcreek neighborhood. Officials emphasized that public safety is paramount, and access to rights-of-way can be revoked if safety standards are not met. A future meeting involving town officials and energy crews will address the incidents, focusing on actions to prevent similar occurrences. Ripple Fiber has acknowledged the disruption and is working towards completing their connectivity project.
Lexington Town Puts the Brakes on Ripple Fiber’s Work Amid Gas Line Incidents
In a move that has taken many by surprise, the Town of Lexington has slapped a stop work order on Ripple Fiber after the company caused some serious damage to multiple gas lines in the area. The town announced this decision on a Saturday, just days after a gas leak incident bled into the Woodcreek neighborhood due to the company’s ongoing construction work.
What’s the Story?
The trouble began on January 24 when Ripple Fiber was doing its thing on Stoneridge Drive, not too far from the busy junction with U.S. 1/Augusta Road, and less than a mile from Exit 58 on Interstate 20. It seems that while they were digging in the area, they hit a gas line, which led to a major gas leak. As you can imagine, this was a cause for concern, prompting Dominion Energy crews to step in and carry out repairs. To ensure everyone’s safety, the surrounding area was briefly closed off.
The Town Takes Action
Speaking on behalf of the town, local officials have pointed out that while they are required to allow telecommunication providers like Ripple Fiber access to certain rights-of-way under state and federal laws, this access comes with a catch. If safety standards aren’t met, which seems to be the case now, that access can be revoked. Public safety is a non-negotiable for the town, with officials implying that any damage to essential infrastructure will not be tolerated.
Ongoing Discussions
The stop work order is set to last until a meeting is held involving Lexington officials, Dominion Energy, and the Lexington County Fire Marshal’s Office. This meeting will focus on what went wrong and hopefully pave the way for better practices moving forward. There’s a strong focus on establishing measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Ripple Fiber Responds
Ripple Fiber hasn’t been sitting silently amid these developments. They have acknowledged that a gas line was unintentionally disrupted, causing the leak, and expressed their appreciation for the collaboration with town officials. Ripple Fiber has made significant strides in connecting homes in the area, boasting that they have already hooked up over 10,000 homes in Lexington County and only have about 1,000 homes left to connect within the town limits. They are optimistic about announcing project completion by the end of this year, despite the hiccups they’ve faced.
History of Hiccups
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Ripple Fiber has found themselves at odds with the town. Back in March 2024, the company faced a work stoppage after residents expressed complaints about their construction practices. It seems that they aren’t alone in their challenges. Other fiber companies like Lumos Fiber have also encountered similar issues with local authorities, even facing a temporary ban from installation in the Murraywood neighborhood.
Contact Ripple Fiber
For those residents and businesses who may have questions or concerns regarding the ongoing situation, Ripple Fiber has opened their lines of communication. They can be reached directly at 800-359-5767 for any inquiries.
The Community Impact
The events of the past few days emphasize the delicate balance between improving telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring public safety. Lexington’s officials are making it clear that as the town looks to modernize and connect more residents, it must also safeguard the vital infrastructure that keeps the community running smoothly.
As the situation develops, Lexington’s residents will be watching closely to see how Ripple Fiber and the town navigate these challenges. Will they find a way to move forward safely, or will more disruptions lie ahead? Only time will tell.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Lexington Halts Ripple Fiber Over Gas Line Damage Concerns
- Myrtle Beach Online: Gas Line Concerns Lead to Halting of Ripple Fiber Work
- WIS TV: Town of Lexington Orders Stop Work on Internet Fiber Installation Project
- WIS TV: Authorities Respond to Gas Leak in Lexington
- Google Search: Lexington Ripple Fiber Gas Line Concerns
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
