This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Questar Gas Co. this summer will replace a major feeder line that runs along 13400 South in Riverton and Herriman.
The company, which provides most Utahns with the natural gas used in their homes, is replacing with bigger and better steel pipe an 8.5-mile section of aging feeder line that runs between 1300 West to the mouth of Butterfield Canyon at approximately 6600 West.
Feeder lines are large steel pipelines that supply smaller main and individual service lines, which are connected to the natural-gas meters on homes and businesses.
Darren Shepherd, a spokesman for the gas company, said the project has two goals.
Replacing the existing 16-inch steel pipe that has been in the ground since the early 1970s with new 20-inch steel pipe will enhance the safety and efficiency of the company's natural-gas delivery system.
It also will help Questar better handle the growing demand for service in the southern part of the Salt Lake Valley, particularly in the Herriman area.
"The new pipeline is part of our ongoing effort to replace our older feeder lines, some of which have been in the ground for several decades," Shepherd said.
Questar is projecting that the project will be completed by the end of May.
Shepherd said there will be no interruption in natural-gas service.
"We'll continue to use the old line until everything is ready for us to switch over to the new one," he said, indicating that once the project is completed, the old line will remain in place but be abandoned.
Questar crews will work at different locations along 13400 South as the project progresses. Traffic in those areas, at times, may be restricted to one lane in each direction. Company and city officials are suggesting that motorists use alternative routes, such as the nearby 12600 South, to avoid traffic congestion around the work areas.
Questar's project won't be the only work going on along 13400 South this summer.
Jeff Hawker, Riverton's assistant city manager, said a federal- and city-funded road improvement project will also be under way on a roughly one-mile section of that thoroughfare west of Bangerter Highway to the new Mountain View Corridor, or approximately 4800 West.
"We've been working closely with Questar, Rocky Mountain Power, other utilities and property owners in the area to coordinate our activities so that we can get everything completed this summer," Hawker said.
He added that once the road improvement project is finished, the intersection of 13400 South and Bangerter Highway will be converted to a "continuous flow intersection" that will eliminate much of the traffic delay caused by drivers making left-hand turns.
Questar's feeder line project
What does it entail?
The company will replace 8.5 miles of aging steel feeder line with new and bigger pipe.
Where will it take place?
Construction will take place along 13400 South in Riverton and Herriman between 1300 West and the mouth of Butterfield Canyon, which is at approximately 6600 West.
Where can I get more information and updates?
Go to http://www.questargas.com and click on "capacity enhancement projects," then Feeder Line 35.