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A major 3-month-long Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) pipeline-replacement project in Palo Alto is expected to impact traffic and will start in August, PG&E has announced.

The project involves excavating, removing and replacing parts of Line 109, which is one of the major transmission lines the state required PG&E to inspect for leaks after the 2010 San Bruno explosion and fire.

The pipeline replacement includes segments underneath Miranda Avenue near the Palo Alto VA Healthcare System and along Junipero Serra Boulevard to Alpine Road in Palo Alto. Work is expected to last until early November, although weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions could change the schedule, according to PG&E.

Traffic-lane closures will occur northbound on Miranda near the VA Hospital through Junipero Serra to Alpine during construction. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times, and flaggers will direct traffic. PG&E expects the work will cause some minor delays.

To minimize traffic impacts during peak commute hours, crews might work in the evening and early morning hours at certain times. Gas service will continue without interruption in most cases. If that changes, a PG&E representative will contact residents and businesses. Access to some driveways may be occasionally affected, but crews can provide access within a few minutes of a resident's request.

A gas smell and a loud, steady noise might be apparent as PG&E vents natural gas from the pipeline. Anyone who has concerns about the smell of gas can call the 24-hour hotline at 800-743-5000. Persons who want to receive a phone call before venting begins can call Lizz Williams at 408-282-7640 by no later than Aug. 10.

PG&E will host a community meeting to discuss the project and its pipeline-safety work on Tuesday, July 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church, 687 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto.

Residents with questions can contact Williams at 408-282-7640, or Debra Katz, communications manager for the City of Palo Alto Utilities, at 650-329-2474 or debra.katz@cityofpaloalto.org. PG&E's Gas System Help Line can also provide information on its pipeline-safety programs at 1-888-743-7431.

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