EMATS Inc. recently finished installing the natural gas infrastructure for the widening of Boones Creek Road from two lanes to a four-lane highway to accommodate future business growth. The Cedar Bluff, Va.-based company laid nearly 2.5 miles of six-inch steel pipe for the road construction project, located off Exit 38 of Interstate 26 in Washington County, Tenn.. The energy management company was required to perform a 24-hour high-pressure test on the pipeline after it was installed. EMATS’ portion of the estimated $5 million project represented a $600,000 investment.

“EMATS was privileged to play a significant role in a development that will be of tremendous benefit to the Boones Creek area,” said EMATS President and CEO Jon Bowerbank. “This project will be advantageous to both residents and businesses along Boones Creek Road.”

EMATS was chosen as a subcontractor for the natural gas aspects of the project, coordinated by Atmos Energy and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. TDOT expects the entire project to be completed by the end of 2006.

“The Boones Creek area needed increased gas capacity to accommodate and facilitate future business growth, which is expected to come as a result of the widening project,” said Nick Howard, EMATS’ engineering technician for the project. “It’s gratifying to see EMATS’ scope of work come to a successful completion.”