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Puget Sound Energy natural gas public improvement project

Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seattle area projects

Spring 2013 project updates

• We are currently coordinating our natural gas pipeline relocation and protection plans with Seattle Tunnel Partners, Seattle Department of Transportation, and Washington State Department of Transportation.
• 12-inch natural gas main relocation project:
• We are currently in the permitting phase for the relocated segment of 12-inch natural gas pipeline in the Pioneer Square area. The preferred route runs along Occidental Avenue South, Yesler Way and Western Avenue (see project map). Construction is anticipated for late spring and summer 2013, depending on permits. Coordination with traffic control and other projects in the area are currently in progress.
• Construction of the bored tunnel section is expected to begin in summer 2013.
• Other Projects
• Remediation activities for distribution pipelines began in late summer 2012 and will continue through 2014.
• In coordination with the Seattle First Hill Streetcar Project, PSE is working to relocate a segment of existing 2-inch natural gas line along S Jackson Street between Second and Third avenues (see map). Work will entail open trenching of the roadway, relocating the existing natural gas pipeline out of the pathway of the streetcar tracks along South Jackson Street, working with adjacent natural gas customers to relocate service lines to their property, and site restoration. This work began on April 1, 2013 and is expected to be completed by April 21, 2013.

Project overview

In conjunction with Washington State Department of Transportation’s Alaskan Way Viaduct project and several other Seattle-area transportation projects, Puget Sound Energy plans to relocate, reconfigure and otherwise protect segments of the existing natural gas pipeline in areas of downtown Seattle to ensure continued public safety and customer reliability.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct, Elliott Bay Seawall and waterfront redevelopment projects are collectively the largest set of associated projects to take place in the Puget Sound region in several decades. Additionally, there are six other Seattle-area transportation projects planned to take place over the next five years; many of these projects require relocation of utilities, including PSE’s natural gas system. These projects are driven by the City of Seattle, Sound Transit, Washington State Department of Transportation, the Port of Seattle and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For information on the Alaskan Way Viaduct project please visit these Web sites:
Washington State Department of Transportation
Seattle Department of Transportation

PSE is working closely and proactively with all the jurisdictions and agencies to ensure the continued safety and reliability of our existing natural gas system in the area.

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Project map

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How does natural gas get to my home or business?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed almost entirely of methane. Interstate pipelines transport natural gas to regional utility natural gas systems, where it is metered and delivered through a network of local mains, service lines and, ultimately, to customer homes and businesses. More than one-third of all Washington state households and businesses use natural gas.

For important natural gas safety information, including how to detect a natural gas leak, please visit our natural gas safety Web page

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12-inch high pressure natural gas pipeline relocation project

12-inch high pressure natural gas pipeline relocation project - June 25, 2012 public meeting

Overview of Seattle-area projects