Roadway Restoration Timeline
Enbridge Gas expects to reopen the intersection of 900 North and 1200 East in Lehi by mid-October, ending months of road closures and detours caused by a large-scale natural gas pipeline replacement project. The phase three construction, which has significantly impacted local commuters and pedestrians, is entering its final stages as crews prepare to restore the roadway.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Growth
The project, which is part of a larger four-phase initiative, involves replacing the aging Feeder Line 26, a high-pressure natural gas pipeline that was originally installed in 1960. According to Enbridge project manager Brock Anderson, the replacement is part of a broader program initiated by the state of Utah in 2010 to upgrade high-pressure infrastructure constructed before 1970. While the existing line was not in immediate danger of failing, the upgrade is intended to stay ahead of population and business growth in Lehi.
As reported by the Lehi Free Press on Sept. 8, the current 20-inch diameter pipe is being swapped for a larger 24-inch pipe. This new line will serve as a primary backbone for natural gas transportation, moving large volumes of gas before it enters a regulation station where pressure is decreased for delivery to local homes and businesses. Anderson noted that new safety guidelines applied to the new steel pipelines are expected to allow the infrastructure to last for the next 100 years.
Complexity of Underground Utilities
The construction at 1200 East and 900 North has proven particularly difficult due to the age and layout of Lehi's original road network. Anderson explained that the area contains multiple layers of active and abandoned utilities stacked on top of one another, making the process of digging and maneuvering around existing infrastructure highly time-consuming.
One specific challenge involved the relocation of fiber-optic lines. Enbridge reported having to pay Lehi fiber to relocate their lines to create sufficient space for the new 24-inch pipeline. Additionally, the 900 North intersection presented unique complications because a high-pressure line runs east to west beneath the intersection. To successfully tie the new north-south pipe into that existing line, crews had to dig significantly deeper than usual, a necessity that has contributed to the prolonged closure of the intersection.
Current Traffic and Service Impacts
As of an Aug. 19 project update, the intersection at 900 North remains closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic. Currently, westbound traffic on 1200 East is being detoured north or south, while eastbound access to 1200 East is shut down entirely. Enbridge plans to complete the connection to the existing pipes by the end of September, with full road restoration expected to follow. Once the project is finished, residents and drivers can expect to use the intersection again starting in mid-October.
Despite the surface-level disruptions, Enbridge stated that no interruptions to residents' natural gas service are expected during the construction process. Furthermore, the new infrastructure will allow for remote monitoring from above ground, meaning crews will not need to dig up the road again for future maintenance on these lines.
Project Phases and Future Outlook
The current work represents the third phase of a four-phase project. While phase three has caused significant community disruption, Anderson noted that phase four, which has already begun in the Traverse Mountain area along Driftwood Drive, is expected to have a much lower impact on the local community.
The entire pipeline replacement project is scheduled to continue through fall 2027, according to Enbridge's project documentation. Throughout the project, Enbridge has maintained communication with residents via email. Those seeking weekly updates or more information can contact the project manager by emailing utahprojects@enbridge.com with the subject line "Line26," or by visiting the project's official webpage at www.enbridgegas.com/about-enbridge-gas/projects/gas-feeder-line-26.
