The effect of residual stresses on stable crack growth (SCG) behavior in polyethylene pipes was investigated. For the investigation, a new SCG specimen and test method were developed which offered a promise for characterizing the slow crack growth behavior in pipe sections without disturbing the existing residual stress state. The specimen was in the form of diametrically loaded rung, obtained from a pipe, having a notch either at outer surface or at inner surface, corresponding to a state of compressive and tensile residual stresses, respectively. It was demonstrated that crack growth from the compressive stress region was delayed due to circumferential compressive residual stress while accelerated under the tensile residual stress. In the absence of residual stress the slow crack growth was independent of whether the crack was initiated at inner or outer surfaces. The estimated stress intensity factors for the outer notched samples were 300 KPam^0.5 and 550 KPam^0.5 for as received and annealed pipes, respectively, clearly demonstrating the value of SCG specimen with regard to residual stress effect on the crack driving force. The physical evidence for the residual stress effect is presented from the respective crack front shapes.