PG&E Pipeline Work Scheduled For Main Street in Downtown Los Gatos

Large electronic monitors on Main Street near Town Hall and El Gato Penthouse are warning motorists in downtown Los Gatos about Pacific Gas & Electric's scheduled pipeline repair work Monday, Feb. 3 through March 21.

The boards caution motorists to expect delays on the already congested street, where Los Gatos High School traffic dangerously converges with motorists patronizing Main Street businesses and nearby residential neighborhoods. 

According to Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Director Matt Morley, the work will upgrade aging PG&E gas infrastructure.

The utility will be balancing the disruption to businesses, residences and others through a combination of night-time and day-time work, Morley said.

The work will affect the following streets: 

• East Main Street, between Dittos Lane and Pageant Way
• College Avenue, between East Main Street and Pageant Way and
• Church Street, between East Main Street and High School Court

What to expect

Most of the pipelines replaced are located under the street, although a portion of the replacement work will take place on private property. Businesses and residents whose properties will be affected will be contacted by a PG&E representative before work begins, Morley said.

The property owners will be notified if their gas service will be interrupted. 

During construction, the public can expect to see PG&E trucks and other heavy equipment. At the end of the project, PG&E will refinish roadways and work with property owners to restore landscaping, Morley said.

Traffic impacts

Traffic will be routed around work areas. Although access to some driveways may be occasionally affected, crews can provide access within a few minutes of your request, Morley said.

However, the public is advised to use caution and plan ahead for the minor delay if crews are working outside their homes or businesses.

At times, the public may smell gas and hear a loud hissing noise as workers vent natural gas from the pipeline using safe and common techniques, according to the utility.

PG&E is encouraging anyone who has concerns about the smell of gas during the work to call 24 hours a day at 1-800-743-5000.

Other questions or concerns about the project should be directed to PG&E customer care representative Regina Saldana, 408-282-7525

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