Palo Alto PG&E Pipeline Project Impacting Traffic

In the wake of the San Bruno gas pipeline explosion that killed eight and destroyed dozens of homes, everyone wants PG&E’s aging gas pipelines replaced. 

The problem is putting up with the mess. 

The City of Palo Alto issued an update late Friday that, according to Utilities Communications Manager Debra Katz, “will be primarily of interest for residents, businesses, schools and commuters who are in the Arastradero, Miranda, Foothill Expressway, Hillview Avenue, Page Mill Road areas of northwest Palo Alto and southwest Stanford Campus.” 

Here’s what’s new:

1. US Pipeline is the contractor PG&E is using on the Miranda/Foothill replacement project and this company already has work well underway on other segments, as you know if you’ve tried to head to 280 via Sand Hill Road!)
2. US Pipeline will not starting excavation work until September 24^th and they are starting with the “night work” stretch, which actually begins on at East Campus Drive off Junipero Serra/Foothill (Stanford) and will continue down south past Page Mill Road to the intersection at Hillview Ave.
3. Therefore, AS OF NOW, the “day work” on the area between Hillview and the south end of the VA Hospital property is not likely to begin until mid-October. That means traffic controls, lane closures etc.in this area will not be set up until then. The impact on the VA, nearby office buildings and Gunn High School will therefore not be significant in September

There are a couple of other things to be aware of that will impact the timing of this project:

1. Tiger Salamanders---this is an endangered species and it hangs out underground in the area. PG&E biologists are onsite at all times and will be monitoring to be sure these animals stay protected. When it rains, the salamanders move around and dealing with this will often cause construction delays.
2. Archeologically Significant Remains---may be buried within 300 feet of Matadero Creek and a PG&E archeologist is on tap and must be called if anything is sighted---should this happen, construction may be delayed.
3. Tree/Brush Trimming and Removal---this process had begun (in front of VA Hospital) but will be ongoing and must be done prior to arrival of large trucks and excavation in each area.

Don't miss important news Subscribe to our daily newsletter.

Get our daily newsletter | Like us on Facebook |Blog for us | Follow us on Twitter|