Replacement of Pipeline to Affect Traffic

A pipeline replacement project scheduled to begin today may affect traffic near Victory Boulevard and Woodley Avenue, Gas Co. officials said.

Parking may be affected as well, they said.

The two-phase project, which will cost about $3 million, will take nearly two months to replace three miles of gas transmission pipeline. Work during the first phase, which is expected to end Oct. 2, will begin at Victory Boulevard between the San Diego Freeway and Woodley Avenue.

The second phase, from Oct. 3 through Nov. 15, will affect Woodley Avenue between Victory Boulevard and Stagg Street. Construction will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Work on the project will include excavating about half a mile of streets each day to replace old pipelines, said company spokeswoman Denise King. The project is part of the company’s standard maintenance, she said.

There have not been any problems with the pipes, King said.

“It’s just part of our ongoing maintenance and system improvement program to ensure the safety of our pipeline system,” she said.

The existing pipeline was installed in 1931. The pipes, which are made of steel, are built to last for decades, King said.

Customers will foot the project cost. A portion of gas bills goes toward standard maintenance, King said.

Lake Forest-based ARB Inc. was hired to do the construction work.