Luminosity Restored: Fiber Optics Installation to Resume in Irmo
IRMO, SC – In a positive turn of events for internet users in the region, Lumos Fiber has been cleared to resume its operations in the Murraywood neighborhood after a brief halt prompted by safety concerns. The fiber optics company had temporarily ceased work following a significant water line strike that caused damage in the area. However, following the submission and approval of a new safety plan, residents can expect to see Lumos crews back at work soon!
What Happened Before?
Just last month, Lumos Fiber found themselves in a tricky situation when the installation of internet cables resulted in a burst water line, leading to a costly mishap on a residential street in Irmo. This unfortunate incident prompted the Lexington County Department of Public Works to intervene, halting any further work in the area until a thorough “corrective action” plan was developed and agreed upon.
Back to Business
During a recent Lexington County Council meeting, Chairwoman Beth Carrigg announced that Lumos had met all the necessary requirements outlined in the corrective action plan. “There’s been concern about numerous companies running fiber optic cables,” Carrigg mentioned. “We’ve had several meetings with Lumos, and they have managed to clean up and meet the necessary requirements to move forward.”
This means good news for residents anticipating better internet service. “If you notice them out, they have the go-ahead,” Carrigg added. But she also urged the community to reach out if any issues arise in the future.
New Safety Measures in Place
The approved plan isn’t just a simple green light to get back to work. Lumos is now mandated to ensure that safety is a number one priority. All crews will undergo a new round of safety training, and they are required to attend monthly safety meetings. The county will also receive regular updates on any incidents moving forward.
In addition to these protocols, there’s a clear commitment from Lumos to coordinate with local utilities and officials before starting any work in new areas. This collaborative approach aims to prevent similar issues that occurred previously.
Communication is Key
Transparency is a central part of Lumos’s new plan as the company has ramped up communication with all utility owners. The action plan emphasizes better training for utility locators and ensuring a thorough understanding of the underground networks. “Knowing that many facilities are not marked, if we expose an iron pipe, we will assume there is an unmarked plastic gas line nearby,” the company stated. They are committed to exercising extra caution to avoid disturbing existing utilities during their installation work.
Building for the Future
Despite the bumps in the road, Lumos is focused on its promise to bring high-speed internet to the area. Following the previous hiccup, Lumos plans to install a whopping 1,200 miles of fiber-optic cable throughout Richland and Lexington counties. This effort seeks to enhance internet speeds for local residents and even includes plans to expand WiFi access to town parks.
Next Steps
As Lumos prepares to get back to work, they are eager to provide residents with reliable internet while ensuring safety and adherence to regulations. A firm from the Columbia Water Department will also oversee the responsibility for the previous water damage, acknowledging that the broken water line had not been properly marked.
So, what does all this mean for residents of Irmo? Well, soon you might just notice Lumos crews back on the streets, diligently working to lay down the foundation for faster and more reliable internet access. If you spot them, remember that they’re working hard to make your online experience better—so stay tuned for what’s to come!
