PG&E to extend work on gas pipeline projects in Santa Cruz area

PG&E says it plans to extend work hours at four sites in Santa Cruz to ensure the continued safe operation of its natural gas system and to complete the scheduled testing during lower demand periods.

Work will take place on Saturdays from 7am to 5pm at the following locations:

Mattison Lane near Paloma Ave. on Aug. 22 and Aug. 29

Wallace Ave. from Carol Way on Aug.15

Huntington Drive at Soquel Drive on Aug. 15 and Aug.22

Soquel Drive between Sandalwood Drive and Rio Del Mar Blvd. on Aug. 22 and Aug. 29

Pacific Gas and Electric is working to enhance the safety and reliability of its natural gas system throughout the Santa Cruz region.

Crews will be conducting the largest hydrostatic pipeline strength test program ever conducted in the United States, replacing gas main lines with newer, more seismically-sound pipe and performing leak detection surveys.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers with the 21st century gas system they deserve. Our teams will be working safely and as quickly as possible to complete these pipeline enhancement projects in our community throughout the summer. The safety of our customers and their families, our employees and contractors, and the communities we serve and in which we live is always our top priority, and that’s why we are doing this work,” said Rob Morse, PG&E Senior Manager for the Central Coast.

Per PG&E, hydrostatic pressure testing is an industry-standard procedure that tests the strength of pipelines using pressurized water. During the test, pipes will be exposed to significantly higher pressure than their normal operating pressure. This enables PG&E to detect and repair potential issues safely. Work is expected to be completed, barring unforeseen delays like inclement weather, in early September.

Other testing locations:

Capitola Road Extension Project

o Work will take place near Capitola Road Extension and Rodriguez Street and Mello Lane and at Capitola Road and 7th Avenue.

o Work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

McGregor/Park Project

o Work will take place near McGregor Drive and Kennedy Drive, Monterey Ave. at Junipero Court, Hill Street at Laurence Ave. and Bay Ave., Wharf Road at Woosley Circle, 41st Ave., Mattison Lane near Paloma Ave., and Rodriguez Street at Dustin Way.

o Most work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday with some lane closures and work taking place overnight.

McGregor/Mar Vista Project

o Work will take place near Soquel Drive at Aptos Wharf Road, Huntington Drive at Soquel Drive, Wallace Ave. and Carol Way.

o Most work will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday with some lane closures taking place overnight.

Following standard safety practices, crews may 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. 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 PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

Main Replacement project areas:

PG&E will continue its safety work along the Central Coast with the replacement of natural gas pipeline with new, more seismically-sound materials. These materials enhance safety and reliability, as well as reduce carbon emissions because they are less likely to leak than older materials. Traffic impacts of the work will include lane closure with traffic control onsite.

Mission Street Replacement Project

o PG&E will replace approximately 1,800 feet of natural gas main line on Mission Street at Emmett Ave. in Santa Cruz. The project will move east on Mission towards North Pacific Ave. and then north along Pacific to Bulkhead Street.

o The work hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; no night or weekend work is planned at this time.

o Barring unexpected delays, the work will take place through October 2015.

Graham Hill Road Replacement Project

o PG&E will replace an approximately 150-foot-long segment of eight-inch pipe at Graham Hill Road and Meyer Drive in Santa Cruz County.

o The work hours are 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; no night or weekend work is planned at this time.

o Barring unexpected delays, the work will take place through July 2015.

Customers should direct questions to please call your Customer Care Representative Denise Fink at (408) 510–9452 or send an email to gasprojectinfo@pge.com.