Gas Company working on Suva Street

DOWNEY – Residents in northwest Downey can expect traffic delays as Southern California Gas Company begins work along Suva Street near Bluff Road this week. The work is expected to last 2-3 months.

Crews will perform a hydrostatic pressure test on a segment of natural gas transmission pipelines. “The pressure test is being conducted to assess the pipeline’s integrity and is part of our system-wide plan to further enhance the safety of our pipelines throughout the communities we serve,” said Julia Emerson, public affairs manager for the Gas Company.

“The test involves digging around the underground pipeline and safely venting natural gas from the pipeline,” Emerson added. “We will then fill the pipeline with water, and increase the pressure  to a level that is higher than the pipeline’s normal operating pressure. If the pipeline holds the pressure without any leaks, it will be put back in service. If the pipeline leaks during the test, SoCalGas will repair the pipeline and retest it, or replace it with new, pre-tested pipeline.”

Eastbound Suva Street between Bluff Road and Guatemala Avenue will be closed at times, with flaggers assisting with traffic flow and pedestrian crossing. There will also be parking restrictions along Bluff Road, south of Suva.

The Rio Hondo bike trail will remain open.

Crews are scheduled to work from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

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Published: Aug. 28, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 20