ROSEVILLE — PG&E began work on Monday (May 12) on two natural gas pipeline projects to modernize four miles of natural gas transmission pipeline and nearly 1,200 feet of natural gas distribution line in Roseville. The work will continue through November, weather permitting.
“These pipe replacement projects will allow PG&E to meet the increasing demand for natural gas to support additional growth in the area and improve the safety and integrity of the natural gas system,” said Erik Kurtz, gas distribution superintendent for PG&E’s Sierra Division. “During these projects, we will work to minimize impacts to customers as best we can, and we very much appreciate the support and patience of area residents and businesses.”
Transmission Project
The four-mile transmission replacement project is part of PG&E’s Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, created at the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission with the goal of enhancing safety and improving operations.
The transmission pipeline upgrade will take place in the areas of Antelope Road, PFE Road, Vineyard Road, Central Avenue, and Baseline Road in Placer County, as well as in the Woodbridge neighborhood and in northwest Roseville.
There will be traffic controls in place and appropriate signage and flaggers. PG&E and contract crews will use both open trenching and boring beneath the street surface to replace the 12-inch steel pipe with new 16-inch steel pipe. Work will generally occur Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., but work may occur as late as 6 p.m. and on some Saturdays.
Distribution Project
Through the end of May, PG&E crews will install 345 feet of new four-inch plastic gas line in the area of Sierra Gardens Drive between Santa Clara Drive and Douglas Boulevard. In July, crews will return to install an additional 825 feet of two-inch plastic gas main on Professional Drive south of Olympus Drive. Work will occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, except on holidays.
During work hours of the first phase of this distribution project, PG&E crews will close five access points in the area for public and employee safety. There are alternative entrances that will be available for use during construction.
PG&E is contacting customers in the area to provide information about both projects and to address any questions or concerns. PG&E also will work individually with any customers who will experience a short interruption in gas service at some point during the upgrade projects.
Crews will work to minimize traffic disruptions. Once upgrades are complete, the new pipes will be tested to ensure they are operating safely before being placed into service.
Following standard safety practices, crews will vent natural gas from pipelines as the project progresses. As PG&E vents the pipe, the smell of natural gas and the sound of venting may be noticeable to nearby homes and businesses, depending on wind direction. The natural gas will quickly dissipate into the atmosphere and will not be harmful; however, PG&E encourages anyone who has concerns about natural gas odors in or around their home or business to call the company at 1-800-743-5000.
Email Currents at currents@pge.com.