Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is currently updating and testing its natural gas pipeline system throughout Central and Southern California. This includes work in Sylmar and other parts of the City of Los Angeles.
SoCalGas will be replacing a segment of one of their natural gas transmission pipelines along Sierra Highway and Foothill Boulevard in Sylmar. The work being performed is part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, which was filed to comply with the California Public Utilities Commission’s directives to enhance public and pipeline safety according to the utility company.
The work is scheduled to begin in Sylmar on Monday, Aug. 3.
Foothill Boulevard will be closed from Sierra Highway to Balboa Boulevard for the duration of this project as construction crew members work along the street. Foothill Boulevard will be reopened each afternoon after work hours.
SoCalGas crews will work Monday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. In a news release, the Gas Company wrote:
“We expect the closure to last approximately four weeks, although weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions could change the schedule.
“When Foothill Boulevard is closed, motorists will be rerouted to get to Santa Clarita and other points north. Northbound traffic on Foothill Boulevard will be detoured west onto Balboa, then north onto San Fernando Road until it connects with Sierra Highway. We ask motorists to please observe all traffic control signs.
“To mitigate the impacts of the closure, SoCalGas has conducted and will continue to do extensive outreach with the community, including meeting with council members Englander’s and Fuentes’ staffs. Both offices were supportive of our work effort to enhance public safety. SoCalGas has also reached out to the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, local residents and businesses regarding work in the area and will provide additional notice before work starts.
“Flagmen and very visible traffic control signage will be on hand to assist in mitigating traffic congestion. We ask motorists to please drive carefully past the work sites and observe all traffic control signs.
“People passing by the work sites may see an excavated section of pipeline with construction equipment and traffic control signage as well as trucks and other vehicles. The community may also hear some work-related noise and notice an occasional natural gas odor.”
“Safety is, and has always been the most important part of our work. Our Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan will continue to improve our system and further protect our customers and employees,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan.
Any customers who will experience a temporary natural gas service interruption will be notified by SoCalGas directly. If customers have any questions or concerns about the testing, please call SoCalGas’ Customer Contact Center at 800-427-2200 or 800-342-4545 in Spanish.
For more information, visit socalgas.com – Search “Safety”