As Pacific Gas & Electric works to replace an old, untested natural gas pipeline, Turlock residents may notice an increase in traffic due to construction work on Geer Road near Christofferson Parkway.
The project will replace a pipeline that runs for more than 10 miles through Ceres, Turlock and Hughson. The work has closed Geer Road completely between Keyes Road and Santa Fe Avenue. Drivers in Turlock north of Monte Vista Avenue should expect detours and delayed traffic due to closed lanes on Geer Road.
PG&E announced in early February it would replace the pipeline as part of a system-wide program to test or replace pipelines of questionable reliability. According to Richard Dye, PG&E government relations, the pipeline was not previously pressure tested, and it would be more efficient to upgrade both the capacity and the type of pipeline.
The entire pipeline replacement project, which began in early July, is projected to be completely finished by Oct. 23. PG&E does not have any projections as to when the construction in Turlock would be finished. The City of Turlock Engineering Division also said that PG&E did not specify an end date for construction in Turlock.
“The Oct. 23 date is a projected date for the entire project through Ceres, Turlock and Hughson,” said PG&E spokesperson Nicole Liebelt. “It is subjective to both weather conditions, and any other work that is found that needs to be done which may delay that projected date.”
According to PG&E, nearby residents were notified in advance about the construction via letters, phone calls and door hangers.
For more information, call (888) 743-7431 or visit www.pge.com/gas.
