REDDING — PG&E will begin work this week to upgrade natural gas distribution lines on a half-mile section of Churn Creek Road in Redding. PG&E crews are scheduled to perform the $1 million in upgrades through mid-July.
“This pipe replacement project will improve the capacity and integrity of the natural gas system. This is one of many gas and electric upgrades we’ve been making recently in the North Valley to improve the safety and reliability of our infrastructure,” said Lia White, senior manager of PG&E’s North Valley division leadership team.
To limit the amount of trenching and traffic impacts, PG&E will bore beneath the surface to install pipe. Nearly 4,000 feet of new plastic gas main will be installed to replace smaller gas lines to increase reliability and capacity.
The pipeline upgrades are along Churn Creek Road between Alrose Lane and Huntington Drive, and along Hartmeyer Lane and Commercial Way. PG&E has notified residents and businesses in the area.
Work will generally occur Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Motorists should allow for extra time when traveling through the area as at times, one-way traffic controls or detours may be in effect.
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 us at 1-800-743-5000.
Email Currents at currents@pge.com.