The Town of Pittsboro announced a stop‑work order for all Google Fiber construction projects, effective immediately. The order will remain in place until town officials meet with a Google representative on Monday, Nov. 2, to review recent safety incidents.
Recent incidents prompt action
Town officials said they have documented multiple strikes involving Google contractors. On Oct. 23, a gas line was broken in the Chatham Forest subdivision, forcing crews to cease work for the day. A second gas line break was reported in the same subdivision on Oct. 25, followed shortly thereafter by a water line break on East Street.
These incidents raised concerns about the safeguarding of underground utilities, a priority emphasized by the Pittsboro Town Council. Council members stressed that protecting residents’ homes and public infrastructure is paramount, and that any construction activity must meet strict safety standards.
Next steps and conditions
The town will convene with Google Fiber contractors on Nov. 2 to discuss the incidents, outline required safety measures, and set conditions that must be satisfied before work can resume. The meeting will address how contractors can better coordinate with the town’s utility crews, improve site inspections, and prevent future line strikes.
Town staff will also review the contractors’ compliance with local ordinances governing excavation and utility protection. If the agreed‑upon safety protocols are not met, the stop‑work order could be extended.
Community response
Residents in the affected neighborhoods expressed frustration over the disruptions, noting that broken gas lines can pose immediate hazards and that water line failures can affect household supply. Many voiced support for the council’s decisive action, emphasizing the need for reliable infrastructure and responsible development.
Local business owners also highlighted the importance of maintaining safe utility services, especially as the town continues to attract new investment and technology projects.
Google Fiber’s position
WRAL reached out to Google Fiber for comment. The company has not yet responded publicly to the stop‑work order or the town’s safety concerns.
As the town prepares for the upcoming meeting, officials remain focused on ensuring that any future fiber‑optic work proceeds without endangering residents or compromising essential services.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
