LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2017 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced that on April 10 it will begin a six-month pipeline valve enhancement project on a natural gas line near Aviation Boulevard and 104th Street in Los Angeles. The work will allow the flow of natural gas in the pipeline to be controlled automatically or remotely. These efforts are part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, a multi-billion-dollar program that tests and/or updates the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Southern California. 

“Enhancing the integrity of our pipeline system is critical to delivering the safe and reliable natural gas service our customers rely on,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. “Replacing the valves on this section of pipeline will help maintain reliable service to thousands of residential and commercial customers in Los Angeles, including universities, schools and hospitals.”

Earlier this year, SoCalGas announced that it will upgrade or replace 50 to 60 pipeline valves in 2017 to further enhance the safety of its system. To download an image or to stream a video of the enhanced valves, click here.

SoCalGas’ five-year capital plan includes $6 billion in infrastructure investments, including approximately $1.2 billion this year for improvements to distribution, transmission and storage systems and for pipeline safety.

The Aviation Boulevard pipeline serves all customers in the Los Angeles basin, particularly businesses and homes in West Los Angeles. The project will require the following planned traffic closures:

•           A segment of 104th Street east of Aviation Boulevard will be closed for the duration of the project.

•           Aviation Boulevard will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for approximately 4 to 6 weeks during construction.

•           One northbound and one southbound lane will be open on Aviation Boulevard at all times.

•           All lanes on Aviation Boulevard will reopen each morning at 6 a.m.

Planned work hours for the first 21 weeks of the project will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Day work will be limited to construction on 104th Street. For approximately 4 to 6 weeks of this 21-week period, work will be conducted intermittently at night from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

The night work will focus on construction on Aviation Boulevard. After the first 21 weeks, work hours for the remainder of this project will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. SoCalGas may extend work hours as necessary.

It is not anticipated that customers will experience any service interruptions. Some residents and local business owners may occasionally smell the odorant in natural gas and may also hear some work-related noise. During work hours, commuters passing by the work site may see excavation, equipment and vehicles.

SoCalGas’ highest priority is the safety of its employees, customers and the communities it serves. Reflecting that commitment to safety, SoCalGas constructs, operates and maintains its pipeline system to meet or exceed all applicable federal and state regulations and requirements. Residents with questions may contact SoCalGas’ call center at 1-800-427-2200. The call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

About Southern California Gas Co.

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.