Polk roads close February 7th for gas pipeline testing
In the early morning hours of Monday, February 7, the Florida Gas Transmission Company will test nearly 16 miles of its natural gas pipeline in Polk County using pressurized water. The pipeline being tested runs from State Road 33 (Commonwealth Avenue N) in Polk City to County Road 35A (Kathleen Road) In Kathleen along County Road 582 (Old Polk City Road), N. Socrum Loop Road, Marcum Road and U.S. Highway 98.
During testing, the following road closures will occur:
• Rollinglen Loop W
• Along two southbound lanes on U.S. Highway 98 from Princeton Street to Marcum Road
• Marcum Road from U.S. Highway 98 to Walt Loop Road
• Old Polk City Road from Walt Loop Road to East of Tomkow Road
• State Road 33 (Commonwealth Avenue N) from Voyles Loop S to Voyles Loop N.
Flaggers supported by law enforcement will control two-way traffic where required and emergency vehicles will be provided access at all times. The test will take place midnight to 4:00 a.m. Monday morning. If the test does not pass, a second night of testing will be necessary.
This federally mandated testing is a standard industry best-practice using pressurized water to confirm the safety and reliability of the system. The natural gas will be removed from the pipeline, with service maintained on another system; and the integrity of the pipeline will be tested under pressure for a fixed period of time.
Additional details can be found here or by contacting Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (863) 535-2200.