Frequently Asked Questions

Excavators are privately hired contractors working on behalf of utility companies such as Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, or Comcast.

Professional locators or third-party companies are generally employed by utility companies to mark underground utility lines using flags, chalk, paint, etc.

Utility companies are required to send professional locators to residences to mark underground utility lines. These lines are marked with colored flags to prevent them from being damaged during excavation.

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, please do not remove, or disturb the flags or any other markings. If the flags or markings are moved or compromised in any way, please call 811 to request the utilities to be marked again.

The color of the flag denotes what type of utility line it is marking. Please refer to the graphic on this page for a flag color code. 

While utility work is being conducted by third-party contractors, Cranberry Township employees are responsible for marking public water, public sewer, and public stormwater infrastructure. The Township is also using additional contractors to keep up with the demand of marking properties.

Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, and Comcast are currently working to update telecommunication infrastructure networks across the Township to provide upgraded services to residents. This requires access to existing infrastructure on residential properties. Contractors may also need to access residential properties to service other residences or local businesses.

Utility companies have a legal right to access any of their infrastructure located on the owner’s property due to easement rights. Easements are dedicated sections of land on private property which utility companies are allowed to access for the betterment of the community.

To locate easements on a property, check the property deed, contact the utility companies that service the property, or have a surveyor come to inspect the property. 

Those having difficulty locating the property deed should contact the Butler County Recorder of Deeds at 724-284-5340.

Currently, Armstrong, Comcast, and Consolidated Communications are all upgrading their telecommunication infrastructure networks across the Township which requires them to access their existing underground lines.

Some contractors will leave a door hanger at residents’ homes at least two weeks prior to the commencement of work. Any questions should be directed to the company contact number listed on the door hanger.

Some contractors may send a letter, postcard, or call the residence.

Others do not inform residents of their intended work.

If there is an odor of gas, exit the building or residence immediately.

Residents should then call 911 and report the odor, then call the gas utility provider that supplies the residence. If the gas utility provider’s contact information is unknown, call the PA One Call System to report the incident.

• PA One Call System: 811 or 1-800-242-1776 ext. 4
• Columbia Gas: 1-888-460-4332
• Dominion/People’s Gas: 1-800-764-0111
• Equitable Gas: 1-800-654-6335
• First Energy/Penn Power: 1-800-720-3600

The overall project is estimated to take approximately one year to complete. Time to complete work at different locations will vary.

Please contact PA One Call to find specific information on a specific flag and project.

Biodegradable paint is used to mark lines and should last a maximum of 30 days. The water-soluble paint can be removed with a power washer and is environmentally safe.

Any damage done to property is the responsibility of the contractor who caused the damage.

Residents can call the contractor directly or contact Cranberry Township Customer Service to get in touch with the contractor who completed work on the property.

Those interested in switching providers need to contact the company (Armstrong, Consolidated Communications, or Comcast) for their desired services. Cranberry Township does not need to be contacted during this process.

1. The utility company determines which properties they need access to.
2. The utility company contacts PA 811 for properties to be marked.
3. Cranberry Township receives notification that they must mark a property or properties.
4. Cranberry Township has 3 business days to complete request.
5. Once the property/properties are marked, the utility company may proceed with excavation.
6. Once excavation is complete, the utility company is required to restore the property to the original state.
7. If restoration is not completed, it is the responsibility of the resident to work directly with the utility company for complete restoration.

Cranberry Townships advises to not move or remove the flags.  It is recommended to call the utility companies or PA 811 directly to discuss flag positioning.  Also call PA 811 if the property needs to be remarked or flags replaced or repositioned. Please note, there are occasions when the flags are missed (not picked up) when the work is completed. 

Simply put, the Township does not have the authority to permit or stop such work. Utility companies have a legal right to access any of their infrastructure located on the owner’s property due to easement rights. Easements are dedicated sections of land on private property which utility companies are allowed to access for the betterment of the community.

Cranberry's Public Works Department is responsible for answering questions, tracking work and any issues, and coordinating with utility companies if additional response is needed. They can be reached by calling 724-776-4806.

The Township is in constant contact with the utility companies about where they are working and general timelines. While some are very responsive, others are not. All contact info is available on the Township website.

Each company must use their own lines to ensure oversight and accountability in the future. Similarly, any existing lines are already owned by a specific company. Those lines may not be equipped to handle additional usage, requiring new lines to be installed.

The Township’s hands are often tied by franchise agreements and federal regulations. However, Cranberry has always welcomed providers to offer their services in the community.

The reason? In short, it’s about choice.

For decades, residents have demanded more options and choice when it comes to cable and internet providers. This work provides those choices.

While the work is invasive, it is temporary. Once finished, providers will be better equipped to serve Cranberry Township residents.

The Township has used every available resource to communicate ongoing work and answer questions.

In addition to previous stories in ‘Cranberry Today,’ an announcement has been in place on the Township’s website since earlier this year. That announcement also links to a webpage full of information, including FAQs, contact information, updated timelines, and much more.

Additionally, information has been shared via Cranberry Central, the Township’s e-newsletter, as well as via Township social media pages.

Outside of the Township’s efforts, utility companies must communicate with residents about upcoming work, either through a mailing or door hanger.

Effective November 1, the Township is entering snow plowing season. The Township has provided specific instructions to cable companies who are upgrading infrastructure to ensure work zones are properly compacted if the need arises for snow plow access.  Work areas, including cross trenches are to be identified with signs and safety cones so snowplow operators can safely pass through. 

If you have a question that is not listed, please email the communicationsteam@cranberrytownship.org and it can be added.  Thanks!