The Wright City R-II Board of Education unanimously approved overhead gas piping to be installed in the new Wright City High School’s science labs during their Jan. 23 meeting. This project will have no cost to the district. 

Installation of the gas pipes in four classrooms will start over Spring Break and are expected to be done before students return. 

The board was given two options for the gas pipes after their construction contractors met with Ameren. These options included underground service and overhead installation. Due to Ameren’s recommendation and the projected 12-14 weeks to install underground gas pipes, the board voted for the overhead option. 

These vertical, enclosed gas lines will be constructed to come out of the ground and be brought up above the ceiling, dropping down to the lab table countertops. The lines will be wrapped in a manufactured wrap. 

It was also noted the overhead gas pipes will be safer, as it will be able to detect any potential  issues that arise. It will also include an additional safety valve and snippers which can shut off the gas in case of an emergency.  

Gas pipes were supposed to be installed earlier, as it was a part of the original construction plans, however the original drawing did not meet Ameren’s code, despite other entities not having an issue. 

Bobby Christopher from Wright Construction noted they have installed similar underground gas pipes before without issue in other jurisdictions but it ultimately came down to “interpretation in code” and it was not an issue until the “24th hour.” 

Board Member Kyle Lewis expressed some frustration due to Ameren not being consulted earlier in the project.